HIV associated angio-oedema or ceftriazone? A case report

Abstract

Anglo-oedema may be hereditary or acquired and is characterized by episodes of potentially life threatening localized tissue oedema and swelling resulting from deficiency of compliment pathway CI esterase inhibitor. Acquired angio-oedema is about ten times less frequent than the hereditary type and has been associated with immune deficiency disorder, malignancies and exposure to specific medications and food substance. A ten year old, human immunodeficiency virus positive girl developed gross swelling of the tongue and neck while on treatment for pneumococal meningitis with ceftriazone. Difficulties in arriving at a definitive diagnosis of angio oedema in a resource poor semi-urban area are discussed and alternative diagnosis options proposed.

Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol. 11 (1) 2007: pp. 35-37