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European Journal of Dermatology

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Adrenergic urticaria Volume 9, issue 2, March 1999

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  • Page(s) : 137-8
  • Published in: 1999

A 53-year-old man was referred for investigation of chronic urticaria of 9 months duration. His medical background was unremarkable except for reactive depression and 3 syncopal attacks. Physical examination was normal. Routine laboratory tests were negative. No explanation was found for his syncope. Prick-tests to controls showed: histamine ­/codeine +; prick-tests to a panel of pneumallergens were negative. These tests stressed the patient considerably and he developed urticarial papules surrounded by halos of vasoconstriction (Fig. 1). Propranolol 20 mg t.i.d. was started, which suppressed both the urticaria and the syncope. The b-blocker was stopped and the urticaria recurred. Treatment was resumed and has brought about complete control, up to the follow-up of 21 months.