Imaging Review of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor-Induced Angioedema of the Head and Neck

Cureus. 2021 Mar 21;13(3):e14021. doi: 10.7759/cureus.14021.

Abstract

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-i) are commonly used medications to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure. Angioedema is a well-established side effect of ACE-i and most commonly manifests as swelling of the mucosal and extra-mucosal soft tissues in the head and neck. CT with contrast is generally used to evaluate for airway compromise and to exclude other etiologies of edema. Herein we present five cases that illustrate the radiological findings specific to ACE-i-induced angioedema on enhanced CT scans.

Keywords: ace-i; angioedema; computed tomography; head and neck; imaging; swelling.

Publication types

  • Case Reports