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Findings that shed new light on the possible pathogenesis of a disease or an adverse effect
Case report
Angioedema, ACE inhibitor and COVID-19
  1. Ekjot Grewal1,
  2. Bayu Sutarjono1,2 and
  3. Ibbad Mohammed1
  1. 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
  2. 2Saba University School of Medicine, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
  1. Correspondence to Bayu Sutarjono; b.sutarjono{at}saba.edu

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, binds to the ACE2 receptors. ACE2 is thought to counterbalance ACE in the renin-angiotensin system. While presently it is advised that patients should continue to use ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, questions still remain as to whether adverse effects are potentiated by the virus. Here, we report a case of a 57-year-old man, unknowingly with COVID-19, who presented to the emergency department with tongue swelling, shortness of breath and difficulty in speaking following 4 months taking benazepril, an ACE inhibitor. Finally, we also describe possible pathways that exist for SARS-CoV-2 to interact with the mechanism behind angioedema.

  • emergency medicine
  • unwanted effects / adverse reactions
  • pneumonia (infectious disease)

This article is made freely available for use in accordance with BMJ’s website terms and conditions for the duration of the covid-19 pandemic or until otherwise determined by BMJ. You may use, download and print the article for any lawful, non-commercial purpose (including text and data mining) provided that all copyright notices and trade marks are retained.

https://bmj.com/coronavirus/usage

https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2020-237888

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    Footnotes

    • Contributors EG and BS contributed equally to this paper. IM provided patient management and edited the manuscript.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Patient consent for publication Obtained.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.