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Click on the cases below to learn more about the clinical challenges in HAE and to test your knowledge.
Cases are based on experience from real patient cases. Content and images have been adapted for educational purposes, and may not represent real patients.
Frieda’s long journey to a correct diagnosis
Frieda, 65, attends an angioedema specialist centre after reading an article in the lay press about HAE; she realised that she has many of the symptoms described. This extreme case highlights the impact that undiagnosed HAE can have on patients and the importance of physician awareness in order to reduce diagnostic delay.
Daniel visits his otolaryngologist
Daniel is 35 years old. He visits his otolaryngologist as he has experienced recurrent swelling of the tongue, lips, and cheek. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis to prevent laryngeal attacks in patients with HAE, and considerations for otolaryngologist for when a patient does experience a laryngeal attack.
Carolina experiences GI symptoms of HAE
Carolina, 21, has been admitted to hospital with non-bloody and non-bilious emesis, and acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain. This case stresses the importance of a correct diagnosis of HAE to avoid unnecessary surgery, which can be challenging when a patient presents with gastrointestinal symptoms alone.
Managing HAE in a severely affected patient
Jane is a 34-year-old female with a BMI of 37. In 2020 she experienced 77 HAE attacks within 9 months, and today (2022) is visiting the clinic for a routine check-up. This case highlights the variability of disease severity between patients and in the same patient over time, and the necessity for regular monitoring to optimise treatment.
Managing the transitioning HAE adolescent
15-year-old Meghan was diagnosed with HAE at the age of 1, and has a history of attacks. This case describes a young patient who is navigating adolescence with HAE, who seeks advice from an angioedema specialist regarding treatment and considerations in HAE.