Fatal angioedema associated with enalapril

Abstract

A 37-year-old female with a history of hypertension for 5 years was brought to the emergency room with swelling of the tongue and neck after the second dose of enalapril. After administration of hydrocortisone by her physician, she went to the emergency room. Her dyspnea and dysarthria were relieved. However, she experienced recurrence of the symptoms followed by respiratory arrest. She suffered severe anoxic brain damage and died three days later. Although angioedema is a rare occurrence with the use of enalapril, it is potentially life threatening. (Internal Medicine 32: 308-310, 1993). © 1993, The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine. All rights reserved.