Open AccessAnaphylaxis in Cold Induced Urticaria: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Author(s) -
S. Gonzalez-Diaz,
Elma Isela Fuentes-Lara,
Cindy Elizabeth de Lira Quezada,
Rosalaura Virginia Villarreal- González,
Rodrigo Alejandro de la Cruz-Cruz
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
iranian journal of allergy, asthma and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1735-5249
pISSN - 1735-1502
DOI - 10.18502/ijaai.v21i1.8624
Subject(s) - angioedema , anaphylaxis , medicine , dermatology , erythema , allergy , epinephrine , common cold , urticaria pigmentosa , anesthesia , immunology
Cold-induced urticaria is considered as a subtype of physical urticaria and also the second most common type of chronic inducible urticaria. Contact with cold surfaces or the environment may cause systemic reactions, especially during aquatic activities. A 22-year-old female patient with a history of sulfa drug allergy began her condition 2 years before the presence of generalized pruritic erythema with hives as well as 2 episodes that had been characterized by facial angioedema and syncope 3-5 minutes after being in contact with cold air or surfaces. On both events, she had just been outdoors on a cold, winter day. She was suspected to have cold-induced urticaria; thereby she had a positive reaction to the ice cube test. Due to the previous episodes of anaphylaxis, the patient was trained to administer intramuscular epinephrine. After 4 weeks of starting the treatment with antihistamines, no new events or injuries had occurred. Cold-induced urticaria may cause life-threatening reactions. The rate of anaphylaxis in these patients is low however, this case is presented to inform the importance of identifying this type of systemic reaction and preventing strategies.