Recurrent large circumscribed areas of subcutaneous oedema; onset is sudden and it disappears within 24 hours; seen mainly in young women, often as an allergic reaction to food or drugs - atrophedema, giant hives, periodic edema, Quincke's edema
Derived forms: angioedemas
Type of: dropsy, edema [N. Amer], hydrops, oedema [Brit, Cdn]