Unilateral Tongue and Lip Edema: A Rare Presentation of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor-Induced Angioedema

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor-induced angioedema is a rare but potentially life-threatening adverse effect that may occur years after treatment initiation. Although it typically presents with bilateral facial or oropharyngeal swelling, unilateral tongue involvement is exceptionally rare and diagnostically challenging. We report the case of a 77-year-old man on long-term ACE inhibitor therapy who presented with sudden unilateral tongue and lip edema. Symptoms improved with supportive treatment and drug discontinuation. This case highlights the importance of recognizing atypical presentations to ensure prompt diagnosis, appropriate management, and improved patient safety.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-01-07
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.101033
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Coagulation, Bradykinin, Polyphosphates, and Angioedema
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
36.93
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article

Unilateral Tongue and Lip Edema: A Rare Presentation of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor-Induced Angioedema

Catarina Reigota, Iara Alves Ferreira, Gonçalo Carneiro
1 citations
Cureus
Coagulation, Bradykinin, Polyphosphates, and Angioedema
36.93
article

Unilateral Tongue and Lip Edema: A Rare Presentation of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor-Induced Angioedema

Catarina Reigota, Iara Alves Ferreira, Gonçalo Carneiro
article en
1 citations

Abstract

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor-induced angioedema is a rare but potentially life-threatening adverse effect that may occur years after treatment initiation. Although it typically presents with bilateral facial or oropharyngeal swelling, unilateral tongue involvement is exceptionally rare and diagnostically challenging. We report the case of a 77-year-old man on long-term ACE inhibitor therapy who presented with sudden unilateral tongue and lip edema. Symptoms improved with supportive treatment and drug discontinuation. This case highlights the importance of recognizing atypical presentations to ensure prompt diagnosis, appropriate management, and improved patient safety.

CureusVol. 18(1)
Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra (PT), Unidade Local de Saúde de Entre Douro e Vouga (PT)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 2%
Coagulation, Bradykinin, Polyphosphates, and Angioedema
36.93
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Unilateral Tongue and Lip Edema: A Rare Presentation of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor-Induced Angioedema — Catarina Reigota, Iara Alves Ferreira, et al. · Cureus (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS