Vascular disorders: hereditary angioedema: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Vascular disorders: hereditary angioedema

Sample item

A man has recurrent non-itchy facial and laryngeal swelling without urticaria, unresponsive to adrenaline and antihistamines, and low C4. Which is the underlying defect?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency

Hereditary angioedema results from C1 inhibitor deficiency, causing unregulated bradykinin generation. Acute attacks are treated with C1 inhibitor concentrate or icatibant, and ACE inhibitors must be avoided.

Option by option

  • A. C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency (correct)

    Correct. C1 inhibitor deficiency causes HAE.

  • B. Complement C3 deficiency

    C3 deficiency causes infections.

  • C. IgE mediated mast cell activation

    IgE mediated reactions respond to adrenaline and antihistamines.

  • D. Excess histamine from mastocytosis

    Mastocytosis responds to antihistamines.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is A, C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency. Hereditary angioedema results from C1 inhibitor deficiency, causing unregulated bradykinin generation.

Why is "Complement C3 deficiency" not the answer?

C3 deficiency causes infections.

Why is "IgE mediated mast cell activation" not the answer?

IgE mediated reactions respond to adrenaline and antihistamines.

Why is "Excess histamine from mastocytosis" not the answer?

Mastocytosis responds to antihistamines.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vascular disorders: hereditary angioedema in Dermatology. Acute attacks are treated with C1 inhibitor concentrate or icatibant, and ACE inhibitors must be avoided.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Vascular disorders: hereditary angioedema?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.