CSU Nomenclature — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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EasyInflammatory DermatosesCSU NomenclatureSCE Dermatology

A 40-year-old woman with chronic urticaria is told about the updated nomenclature. What is the current term for 'chronic idiopathic urticaria'?

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Correct answer: A — Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) — the term 'idiopathic' has been replaced

The current EAACI/GA²LEN/EuroGuiDerm nomenclature classifies chronic urticaria (>6 weeks) into: (1) Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) — wheals/angioedema occurring without a specific external trigger (replacing the older terms 'chronic idiopathic urticaria' and 'chronic ordinary urticaria'); (2) Chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) — triggered by specific physical stimuli (dermographic, cold, delayed pressure, solar, heat, vibratory, cholinergic, contact, aquagenic). CSU may have autoimmune aetiology: Type I autoimmune (IgE anti-TPO or IgE anti-IL-24) or Type IIb autoimmune (IgG anti-FcεRI or anti-IgE). The updated terminology reflects improved understanding of pathogenesis and guides treatment decisions.

Reference: EAACI/GA²LEN 2022; BAD