Recurrent large circumscribed areas of subcutaneous edema of sudden onset, usually disappearing within 24 hours; seen mainly in young women, frequently as an allergic reaction to foods or drugs. Syn: angioneurotic edema, atrophedema, Bannister’s disease, giant hives, giant urticaria, Milton’s disease, periodic edema, Quincke’s disease, Quincke’s edema, urticaria tuberosa.
hereditary angioedema