Erythema Marginatum and Hereditary Angioedema

Abstract

To search for anaphylatoxin activity in plasma during episodes of erythema marginatum, and to evaluate the histology of erythema marginatum by electron microscopy and immunohistologic techniques. Plasma samples were studied for C5a activity by granulocyte aggregation, and C3 conversion by immunoelectrophoresis. A skin biopsy of erythema marginatum was done, and the tissue stained with a rabbit antibody to bradykinin. No plasma anaphylatoxin was found. Dense deposits of bradykinin were discovered in stromal tissue and lining endothelial cells. Bradykinin may be important in the causality of the erythema marginatum associated with hereditary angioedema.