Idiopathic edema, a condition associated with pelvic pain and other symptoms in women, as a remedial cause of chronic cold induced urticaria.

PURPOSE: To determine if the treatment of cold induced urticaria refractory to conventional antihistamine-type therapy would respond to treatment with sympathomimetic amines.

METHODS: Dextroamphetamine sulfate (15 mg) extended release capsules were prescribed to be taken daily in the morning.

RESULTS: The cold-induced urticaria completely disappeared and antihistamine therapy was discontinued.

CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of chronic refractory cold-induced urticaria effectively responds to treatment with sympathomimetic amines similar to other cases of chronic refractory urticaria that are not merely cold induced. Manifestation of idiopathic orthostatic edema, a condition predominantly of women, should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of baffling medical conditions.