A Case of Episodic Angioedema Associated with Eosinophilia

We report a 21-year-old woman with episodic angioedema associated with eosinophilia. The clinical findings included edema on the face, shoulders, arms and legs, and weight gains up to 7kg. The leukocyte count was 14600/µl (59.5% eosinophil). Interleukin-5 (IL-5) level in the plasma and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) level in the serum were markedly elavated. After the therapy with oral steroid administration, symptoms were alleviated. IL-5 level in the plasma and eosinophil cell count were decreased to normal levels. ECP level in the serum was also decreased, but remaining higher than normal. Sporadic recurrences occured after the discontinuance of steroid therapy associated with high ECP level and elavated eosinophil cell counts. However, IL-5 level in the plasma was not changed.