Orolingual angioedema after thrombolysis is characterized by which finding?

Orolingual angioedema after thrombolysis is characterized by which finding?

• A. Unexplained swelling of the tongue or lips not caused by bleeding
• B. Swelling confined to fingers
• C. Itchy rash on trunk
• D. Unexplained abdominal pain

Answer: (A)

Orolingual angioedema after thrombolysis presents as sudden, unexplained swelling of the tongue and lips without bleeding into the tissue. This bradykinin-mediated swelling can progress rapidly and threaten the airway, making it the hallmark finding after thrombolytic therapy. The other options describe conditions that don’t fit this scenario: swelling limited to fingers is peripheral edema, an itchy trunk rash suggests urticaria, and abdominal pain is not characteristic of this angioedema. Recognizing tongue and lip swelling in the post-thrombolysis setting is crucial for timely airway management.

Orolingual angioedema after thrombolysis presents as sudden, unexplained swelling of the tongue and lips without bleeding into the tissue. This bradykinin-mediated swelling can progress rapidly and threaten the airway, making it the hallmark finding after thrombolytic therapy. The other options describe conditions that don’t fit this scenario: swelling limited to fingers is peripheral edema, an itchy trunk rash suggests urticaria, and abdominal pain is not characteristic of this angioedema. Recognizing tongue and lip swelling in the post-thrombolysis setting is crucial for timely airway management.