Angioedema triggered by pulp extirpation--a case report.

BACKGROUND: C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency results in episodes of non-allergic edema of parts of the body. Edema of the face may be triggered by dental therapy. CASE REPORT: We report a case of C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency which was detected in a 42-year-old woman. The patient was completely unaware that she had this disorder or of any related family history, and the patient developed an intense facial angioedema after pulp extirpation of lower premolar tooth. DISCUSSION: In this case, the diagnosis of angioedema due to C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency was established at a later stage. The differing causes of C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency are briefly discussed and the treatment modalities outlined.