Quincke's disease

This is angioneurotic edema (or angioedema), a form of localized swelling of the deeper layers of the skin and fatty tissues beneath the skin. Hereditary angioneurotic edema (or hereditary angioedema) is a genetic form of angioedema. Persons with it are born lacking an inhibitor protein (called C1 esterase inhibitor) that normally prevents activation of a cascade of proteins leading to the swelling of angioedema. Patients can develop recurrent attacks of swollen tissues, pain in the abdomen, and swelling of the voice box (larynx) which can compromise breathing. The diagnosis is suspected with a history of recurrent angioedema. It is confirmed by finding abnormally low levels of C1 esterase inhibitor in the blood. Treatment options include antihistamines and male steroids (androgens) that can also prevent the recurrent attacks.

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Quin·cke's disease 'kviŋ-kəz- n ANGIOEDEMA

Quincke Heinrich Irenaeus (1842-1922)

German physician. Quincke was a professor of internal medicine at Kiel, Germany, who is remembered for making a number of important observations. In 1868 he made observations on the pulse that were helpful in establishing a diagnosis of aortic regurgitation. In 1870 he observed aneurysm of the hepatic artery. His description of angioedema, published in 1882, was not the first description of the disease but the most complete.