Acquired angioedema in a case of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Acquired angioedema is a rare condition, which occurs usually in association with lymphoproliferative disorders. It is due to the presence of C1 inhibitor antibodies. We report here a case of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia which presented with abdominal pain and angioedema. The patient was treated with rituximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against B lymphocytes, in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy. The C1 inhibitor levels increased and the patient’s clinical condition improved.