[What are angioedemas and how are they classified?].

BACKGROUND

The term angioedema refers both to a clinical symptom, i.e., a self-limiting swelling of the deep dermis, subcutis or submucosa and also to a group of diseases with heterogeneous etiology and pathophysiology. This heterogeneity makes a precise mechanistic classification a prerequisite for the diagnostics and treatment.

METHODS

A narrative review is given based on the definition, acronyms, nomenclature, and classification of angioedema (DANCE) classification published in 2024 and current consensus documents.

RESULTS

The DANCE classification divides angioedema into five mechanistically oriented categories: mast cell-mediated (AE-MC), bradykinin-mediated (AE-BK), vascular-endothelial (AE-VE), drug-induced (AE-DI) and angioedema of unknown cause (AE-UNK). The currently most critical clinical decision point is the distinction between mast cell-mediated and bradykinin-mediated forms, as the acute treatment and long-term management are fundamentally different.

CONCLUSION

The DANCE classification represents an important step towards further harmonization of the international terminology of angioedema and provides a structured basis for the diagnostics, research and treatment; however, further research is needed with respect to the functional validation of individual endotypes.