Recurring acute abdominal pains in an adolescent as the presenting manifestations of hereditary angioneurotic oedema

UNLABELLED An adolescent was hospitalized for recurring abdominal pains, which had previously led to appendicectomy. Laboratory data finally led to the diagnosis of hereditary angioneurotic oedema, after several hypotheses had been raised and ruled out. CONCLUSIONS Angioneurotic oedema is a rare condition, which should be suspected in children with recurring abdominal pains, especially when there is liquid within the peritoneal cavity.