Angioedema in a 47-year-old woman with hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome (HUVS) is a type III hypersensitivity reaction characterized by urticaria with persistent acquired hypocomplementemia. Although HUVS is uncommon, it is important for physicians to be familiar with this disease, as the initial presentation is often life-threatening angioedema. The author reports the case of a 47-year-old white woman with a history of HUVS. She presented to an outpatient clinic complaining of a rash and difficulty swallowing. Urticaria and angioedema were diagnosed. The patient was given epinephrine in the clinic and then transferred to the hospital. Laboratory testing confirmed urticaria, and the patient was given intravenous methylprednisolone sodium succinate and an additional dose of epinephrine. After 1 week, the patient's angioedema improved.