ABSTRACT
Angioedema; It is a self-limiting, localized swelling of subcutaneous or submucosal tissues resulting from extravasation of plasma fluid into interstitial tissues. Angioedema can occur as mast cell mediated, bradykinin mediated and idiopathic. The most important feature of mast cells that distinguish them from other cells of the immune system is that they have a large number of granules in their cytoplasm. With the stimulation of mast cells by various allergens (drugs, venom, latex, foods, radiocontrast substances, etc.), these granules in storage and newly produced mediators are released into the circulation. It is important to distinguish mast cell mediated angioedema from bradykinin mediated angioedema. Mast cell angioedema responds to glucocorticoid, antihistamine and adrenaline treatment. In this review, the clinical features, pathophysiology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatment modalities of mast cell mediated angioedema are discussed.
Key words: Angioedema, mast cell, histamine