# Intestinal Angioedema Induced by Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors: A Diagnosis of Exclusion

**Authors:** Rita Pera, Sara Sá, João Lagarteira, Andrei Gradinaru, Ana Figueiredo

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.99642 · Cureus · 2025-12-19

## TL;DR

This paper describes a rare case of intestinal swelling caused by a blood pressure medication, highlighting the importance of recognizing this condition to avoid unnecessary tests.

## Contribution

The paper presents a case of ACEI-induced intestinal angioedema diagnosed after ruling out other causes.

## Key findings

- The patient's symptoms resolved after stopping perindopril, confirming the diagnosis.
- Intestinal angioedema caused by ACEIs is rare and often misdiagnosed due to nonspecific symptoms.
- Early recognition can prevent unnecessary invasive procedures.

## Abstract

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)-induced intestinal angioedema is a rare and frequently underdiagnosed condition, often presenting with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms that can mimic inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic diseases. We report the case of a 42-year-old female patient who recently started perindopril (an ACEI) for uncontrolled hypertension and developed recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea. Extensive laboratory and imaging workup, complemented by endoscopic and histological evaluations, did not identify any alternative etiology. Symptoms resolved completely after discontinuation of perindopril, confirming ACEI-induced intestinal angioedema. Early recognition of this entity is essential to avoid invasive procedures and ensure complete resolution with simple drug discontinuation.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** perindopril (PubChem CID 107807)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Intestinal Angioedema (MESH:D007410), abdominal pain (MESH:D015746), diarrhea (MESH:D003967), gastrointestinal symptoms (MESH:D012817), hypertension (MESH:D006973), inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic diseases (MESH:D003141)
- **Chemicals:** perindopril (MESH:D020913)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12812337/full.md

## References

12 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12812337/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12812337