Acquired Angioedema Revealing a B cell Non Hodgkin Lymphoma in A Tunisian Man

Abstract

Angioedema is a condition described as a transient, non-pruritic, non-pitting and self-limiting local swelling of cutaneous and mucosal tissues that completely resolve in 1 to 5 days. Acquired C1-inhibitor deficiency or acquired angioedema (AAE) may be associated with a lymph proliferative disease. We report the case of a 52 year-old man, without medical history, presented recurrent edema affecting the face and the tongue which regressed spontaneously within 8 to 10 days. Serum compliment levels were as follows; CH50: 15 UI/mL (32-58), C4=0.008 g/L (0.162- 0.503), C3: 0,846 g/L (0.743-1.62), C1q=84 mg/L (100-250). C1 esterase inhibitor protein level was 190 mg/l (150-350) with a functional rate at 30% (70-130%). Blood count showed leucocytis with lymphocytic predominance. Bone marrow biopsy showed a CD20+B cell non hodgkin lymphoma. The diagnosis of (AAE) revealing a B cell non Hodgkin lymphoma was retained and the patient had been treated by chemotherapy with good clinical course.