Combined cold- and heat-induced cholinergic urticaria

Jafar Farnam, J. Andrew Grant, Michael A. Lett-Brown, Ralph A. Lord, Weihua Lee Russell, David P. Henry

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

A 36-year-old white woman with a 20-year history of cutaneous, respiratory, and cardiovascular symptoms triggered by physical activity and by exposure to either heat or cold was evaluated. A routine evaluation for the cause of her condition was positive only for certain physical factors. Cutaneous testing for dermatographism, ice-cube challenge, and exposure to ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B light were negative. A methacholine skin test was positive. Sitting in a cold room (4° C) induced micropapular wheals on exposed areas similar to those classically associated with cholinergic urticaria. Placing both feet in warm water (44° C) induced similar but more intense cutaneous lesions at sites not exposed to heat, light headedness, and severe asthma. Exercise for 10 minutes caused confluent and punctate urticarial lesions. Simultaneous measurement of plasma histamine during cold and heat challenges revealed increases paralleling the course of symptoms. Repeat challenge with cold, heat, and exercise after beginning treatment with both H1 and H2 histamine antagonists resulted in marked reduction in symptoms: however, significant rises in plasma histamines were still noted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)353-356
Number of pages4
JournalThe Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Volume78
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1986
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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