Non-Episodic Angioedema Associated with Eosinophilia after COVID-19
  • Taku Harada
    Department of General Medicine, Nerima Hikarigaoka Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Diagnostic and Generalist Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Tochigi, Japan
  • Shintaro Kosaka
    Department of General Medicine, Nerima Hikarigaoka Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
  • Mori Nakai
    Department of General Medicine, Nerima Hikarigaoka Hospital, Tokyo, Japan

Keywords

COVID-19, non-episodic angioedema with eosinophilia, non-pitting oedema

Abstract

ntroduction: Non-episodic angioedema associated with eosinophilia (NEAE) has been reported primarily in young East Asian women and is characterized by a single episode of persistent limb oedema, peripheral eosinophilia, and transient joint pain. Although there are reports of eosinophilia disease after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the occurrence of NEAE has not been previously reported.

Case description: A 29-year-old Japanese woman, with a history of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, sought a medical consultation for persisting oedema of the extremities, which developed about 2 weeks after she contracted COVID-19. Physical examination revealed symmetrical non-pitting oedema with peripheral predominance. Laboratory examination revealed a blood eosinophil count of 7536/µl. The patient was diagnosed with NEAE and a 7-day course of prednisolone (15 mg/day) was initiated, with rapid improvement in the oedema and no recurrence on follow-up.

Discussion: The exact aetiology of NEAE is unknown, but it may develop after infection or drug exposure. Eosinophilic disease after COVID-19 infection has been reported and, therefore, eosinophilic angioedema should be considered in the differential diagnosis of non-pitting oedema of the extremities after a COVID-19 infection. Early diagnosis of NEAE is important as rapid improvement can be achieved with low-dose steroid treatment. 

Conclusion: NEAE can develop after COVID-19 and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of non-pitting oedema of the extremities. 

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    Published: 2022-12-29
    Issue: 2022: Vol 9 No 12 (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Harada T, Kosaka S, Nakai M. Non-Episodic Angioedema Associated with Eosinophilia after COVID-19. EJCRIM 2022;9 doi:10.12890/2022_003671.