Acquired Angioedema Post COVID-19 Infection: Can SARS-Cov-2 Induce Angioedema?

Ongoing research continues to uncover the long-term effects of post-COVID-19 illnesses. Patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) are believed to have an elevated risk of contracting COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, potentially leading to increased frequency or more severe symptoms. This speculation is based on the understanding that COVID-19 enters cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. This report presents the case of a 37-year-old man with no significant medical history who presented to the clinic with what was initially thought to be an allergic reaction. He had experienced swelling in his lips, both upper extremities, and widespread urticaria, along with mild associated abdominal pain. While there is currently no conclusive evidence linking COVID-19 to the onset of HAE, a significant number of cases suggest a potential connection between post-COVID-19 angioedema and long-term angioedema. Subsequently, the patient experienced a second episode of angioedema flare-up aggravated by an upper respiratory infection.