Case of Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma Presenting as Acquired Angioedema
Acquired angioedema (AAE-C1INH) is a rare, potentially life-threatening disorder resulting from acquired C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency, often secondary to lymphoproliferative diseases such as splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL). We report on a 68-year-old woman presenting with facial and tongue swelling, gastrointestinal symptoms, and splenomegaly. Laboratory work-up revealed low C1 esterase inhibitor and C1q complement levels, consistent with AAE-C1INH. Imaging showed marked splenomegaly with increased fluorodeoxyglucose uptake; bone marrow biopsy confirmed SMZL. Treatment with rituximab and bendamustine chemotherapy led to clinical improvement, normalization of complement levels, and cessation of angioedema episodes.
Authors
- Nawaraj Adhikari (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9947-0202)
- Sakura Thapa
- Marcel Odaimi
- Lohitha Dhulipalla
- Ramyasree Chilukuri (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4376-2155)
Institutions
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (US)
- Staten Island University Hospital (US)
- Mercy Hospital Springfield (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Annals of Internal Medicine Clinical Cases
- Published
- 2026-05-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7326/aimcc.2025.1359
- Primary Topic
- CNS Lymphoma Diagnosis and Treatment
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00