Reticulate erythema--a prodrome in hereditary angio-oedema.

A previously undescribed short-lived non-puritic reticulate erythema has been noted in several members of unrelated families with hereditary angio-oedema. The eruption which may be widespread can last from 1 to 4 days and usually immediately precedes an overt attack of hereditary angio-oedema although this is not invariable, and swellings may occur in areas not previously involved by the erythema. Histology including immunohistology probably shows no specific changes.