The treatment of idiopathic edema, a cause of chronic pelvic pain in women: effectively controlled chronic refractory urticaria--case reports.

PURPOSE: To corroborate or refute a previous case report from 20 years ago whether treatment with sympathomimetic amines is effective in controlling chronic urticaria. METHODS: All cases of chronic urticaria in our reproductive endocrinology and infertility practice were identified. All four had been treated with dextroamphetamine sulfate. Quickness and duration of response were then determined. RESULTS: Four women were identified. All showed improvement within the first month. The marked improvement did not dissipate including two patients whose duration of improvement was 8.5 and 13 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Gynecologists should consider idiopathic edema as an etiology when facing chronic pelvic pain and urticaria. Since allergists and dermatologists do not seem to be aware of this treatment option, the initiation of therapy may need to come from the gynecologist.