Angioedema of the small bowel due to an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor

We describe a case of a 72-year-old woman who presented with two episodes o f abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Abdominal computed tomographic sc ans done during each episode demonstrated edema of the small bowel. Review of the patient's history revealed that she had been started on a treatment of lisinopril for hypertension 1 month before the first episode and had her prescribed dose increased 24 hours before each presentation. Angiotensin-c onverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor-associated angioedema was suspected and th e medication was discontinued. The patient has remained symptom-free while not taking the ACE inhibitor for 1 year. Review of the literature reveals o nly nine similar cases. All cases, including ours, occurred in women. Angio edema of the small bowel associated with ACE inhibitors is rare and often i s not recognized before surgical exploration. Angioedema of the gastrointes tinal tract should be considered in symptomatic patients taking ACE inhibit ors.