Les effets secondaires aigus des inhibiteurs de l'enzyme de conversion de l'angiotensine dont l'angioœdème, différents dans leur étiologie clinique, partagent une physiopathologie semblable

Despites it's therapeutic efficiency, angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitors are characterized by different acute complications which nature depends on the clinical context. Among these, angioedema has been reported in hypertensive patients but also during heart failure and in stroke patients treated by fibrinolysis. Angioedema associated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors results from the meeting of different factors affecting the pharmacological activity of kinins and neurokinins, powerful vasodilatory and inflammatory peptides. This paper describes different experimental evidences pleading for a multifactorial nature of this rare but potentially life-threatening acute side-effect.