Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (patient information)
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What is Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia?
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, also called Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, is an inherited disorder of the blood vessels that can cause excessive bleeding.
What are the symptoms of Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia?
- Frequent nosebleeds in children
- GI bleeding, including loss of blood in the stool or dark black stools
- Port wine stain
- Seizures or unexplained, small strokes (from bleeding into the brain)
- Shortness of breath
- Telangiectases on the tongue, lips, nasal mucosa, face, ears, fingertips, nails, whites of the eyes, and skin (they may bleed easily)
What causes Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia?
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is an inherited condition. It can affect males or females of any ethnic or racial group.
People with this condition can develop abnormal blood vessels called arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in several areas of the body. If they are on the skin, they are called telangiectasias. The AVMs can also develop in other areas of the body, such as the brain, lungs, liver, or intestines.
The syndrome is genetic, which means it results from an abnormality in one of a few genes. Scientists have identified some of the genes involved. However, they do not know exactly how the gene defects lead to the abnormal blood vessels seen in persons with this syndrome.
Who is at risk for Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia?
How do I know I have Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia