Acute Respiratory Failure Secondary to ACE Inhibitor–Induced Angioedema after Five Years of Lisinopril Therapy

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are amongst the commonest prescribed medications in the United States and considered to be the leading causes of drug induced angioedema. High bradykinin levels stimulate vasodilation and increased vascular permeability of the post-capillary venules and allow for plasma extravasation into the submucosal tissue, leading to angioedema. Usually, the angioedema occurs within the first week of exposure to therapy, but cases occurring after years of stable ACE inhibitor usage are not uncommon. Here, we present a 43-year-old Caucasian female who developed acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation secondary to ACEi–induced angioedema after five years of Lisinopril usage. This case will help to increase physicians’ awareness that this potentially fatal complication can still occur after years of ACE inhibitor usage.