Malformações arteriovenosas pulmonares na síndrome de Rendu-Osler-Weber / Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome

Resumo A síndrome de Rendu-Osler-Weber, também conhecida como telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditária, é uma doença hereditária autossômica dominante. Ela é caracterizada pela presença de múltiplas malformações arteriovenosas e telangiectasias. Este artigo relata dois casos de pacientes com síndrome de Rendu-Osler-Weber que apresentaram malformações arteriovenosas pulmonares e foram submetidos a tratamento endovascular com sucesso. Uma breve revisão da literatura mostra que até 50% dos pacientes com a síndrome têm malformações arteriovenosas pulmonares e geralmente há um histórico familiar positivo nesses pacientes. Em 30% dos casos, elas são múltiplas e estão associadas a complicações mais graves da doença. A maioria dos pacientes é assintomática, mesmo na presença de malformações arteriovenosas com shunt direito-esquerdo. Quando esses shunts excedem 25% do volume total de sangue, podem surgir dispneia, cianose, baqueteamento digital e sopros extracardíacos. O tratamento endovascular oferece segurança e controle das complicações da telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditária, sendo atualmente o tratamento de escolha para essas lesões.

Abstract Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome, also known as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder. It is characterized by presence of multiple arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and telangiectasias. This article reports two cases of patients with Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome who had pulmonary AVMs and underwent successful endovascular treatment. A brief review of the literature shows that up to 50% of patients with the syndrome have pulmonary AVMs and there is usually a positive family history in these patients. These pulmonary AVMs are multiple in 30% of cases and are associated with the most severe disease complications. Most patients are asymptomatic, even in the presence of AVMs with right-left shunts. When these shunts exceed 25% of the total blood volume, dyspnea, cyanosis, digital clubbing, and extracardiac murmurs may occur. Endovascular treatment is safe and offers control of complications from hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and is currently the treatment of choice for these lesions.

Update on pulmonary arteriovenous malformations / Atualização sobre malformações arteriovenosas pulmonares

ABSTRACT This review aimed to provide an overview of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, including the major clinical and radiological presentations, investigation, and treatment algorithm of the condition. The primary etiology of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations is hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome, with mutations in the ENG gene on chromosome 9 (HHT type 1) or in the ACVRL1/ALK1 complex (HHT type 2). Epistaxis should always be evaluated when repeated, when associated with anemia, and in some cases of hypoxemia. In the investigation, contrast echocardiography and chest CT are essential for evaluating this condition. Embolization is the best treatment choice, especially for correction in cases of hypoxemia or to avoid systemic infections. Finally, disease management was addressed in special conditions such as pregnancy. CT follow-up should be performed every 3-5 years, depending on the size of the afferent and efferent vessels, and antibiotic prophylactic care should always be oriented. Ultimately, knowledge of the disease by health professionals is a crucial point for the early diagnosis of these patients in clinical practice, which can potentially modify the natural course of the disease.

RESUMO Esta revisão teve como objetivo fornecer uma visão geral das malformações arteriovenosas pulmonares, incluindo as principais apresentações clínicas e radiológicas, investigação e algoritmo de tratamento da condição. A principal etiologia das malformações arteriovenosas pulmonares é a telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditária (THH), também conhecida como síndrome de Rendu-Osler-Weber, com mutações no gene ENG no cromossomo 9 (THH tipo 1) ou no complexo ACVRL1/ALK1 (THH tipo 2). A epistaxe sempre deve ser avaliada quando repetida, quando associada à anemia e em alguns casos de hipoxemia. Na investigação, a ecocardiografia e TC de tórax com contraste são essenciais para avaliar essa condição. A embolização é a melhor escolha terapêutica, especialmente para correção em casos de hipoxemia ou para evitar infecções sistêmicas. Por fim, o manejo da doença foi abordado em condições especiais, como a gravidez. O acompanhamento por TC deve ser feito a cada 3-5 anos, dependendo do tamanho dos vasos aferentes e eferentes, e a antibioticoprofilaxia deve sempre ser orientada. Em última análise, o conhecimento da doença pelos profissionais de saúde é um ponto crucial para o diagnóstico precoce desses pacientes na prática clínica, o que pode potencialmente modificar o curso natural da doença.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia complicated by aortic sinus aneurysm caused by a pathogenic mutation in the ACVRL1 gene: a family survey / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To investigate clinical and genetic characteristics of a family with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia complicated by aortic sinus aneurysm, and to analyze causative genes.Methods:Clinical data and peripheral blood samples were collected from the proband and her relatives, and genomic DNA was extracted. Causative genes were screened by whole-exome sequencing, and then verified by Sanger sequencing.Results:A heterozygous mutation c.137G>A was identified at position 137 in exon 3 of the ACVRL1 gene in the proband, her daughter, grandson and granddaughter, which led to the substitution of cysteine by tyrosine at amino acid position 46 (p.C46Y) . The mutation was not found in any of the other 5 family members without clinical symptoms.Conclusion:A causative mutation c.137G>A (p.C46Y) in the ACVRL1 gene was identified in the family with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 2 complicated by aortic sinus aneurysm, which had not been previously reported in Asian populations.

Bevacizumab as a treatment option in gastrointestinal bleeding associated to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Case Report / Bevacizumab como opción terapéutica en sangrado gastrointestinal asociado a telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria. Reporte de caso

Abstract Introduction: Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease characterized by the presence of arteriovenous malformations in the nasal mucosa, the tips of fingers, and sometimes in the lungs, the gastrointestinal tract, the liver, the pancreas, the marrow and the brain. Its treatment is based on symptomatic control measures, but recently, the administration of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) molecules has been proposed as a treatment alternative, especially in patients with recurrent bleeding. Case presentation: The case of a 67-year-old man diagnosed with HHT and suffering from potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal GI bleeding is presented. The patient underwent several esophagogastric cauterization procedures but not positive outcomes were obtained, so he had to go to the Emergency Service of the hospital multiple times due to having low levels of hemoglobin (as low as 3.5g/dL). A bevacizumab based treatment was started by using a novel dosage regimen consisting of the administration of 6 5mg/kg bevacizumab dosages every 14 days. During the first week of treatment, hemoglobin levels increased to 14g/dL and the condition was stabilized. Conclusions: The findings reported here suggest that bevacizumab may be a therapeutic choice to be considered when treating patients with recurrent and refractory GI bleeding caused by HHT. However, a larger sample is required to determine if administering this medication is safe for these patients, as well as the appropriate dosage.

Resumen Introducción. La telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria (HHT) es una enfermedad genética autosómica dominante que se caracteriza por la presencia de malformaciones arteriovenosas en mucosa nasal, dedos y, algunas veces, pulmones, tracto gastrointestinal, hígado, páncreas, médula ósea y cerebro. El tratamiento se basa en el control sintomático, pero recientemente se ha propuesto la administración de moléculas anti-factor de crecimiento de endotelio vascular (VEGF), en especial en pacientes que presentan sangrado recurrente. Presentación del caso. Paciente masculino de 67 años con diagnóstico de telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria (HHT) y hemorragia gastrointestinal severa potencialmente mortal. El paciente recibió múltiples cauterizaciones esofagogástricas sin obtener respuesta, por lo que ingresó en múltiples oportunidades al servicio de urgencias con niveles de hemoglobina incluso tan bajos como 3.5g/dL. Se inició tratamiento con bevacizumab con un novedoso esquema de 6 dosis de 5mg/k cada 14 días, lográndose aumentar los niveles de hemoglobina a 14g/dL durante la primera semana de tratamiento y estabilizando la enfermedad. Conclusiones. Los hallazgos sugieren que el bevacizumab puede ser una opción terapéutica en sangrado gastrointestinal recurrente y refractario secundario a HHT. Sin embargo, se requiere incluir una cohorte de pacientes más amplia para establecer la seguridad del medicamento y la dosificación apropiada para este tipo de pacientes.

Current Status of Clinical Diagnosis and Genetic Analysis of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia in South Korea: Multicenter Case Series and a Systematic Review / 신경중재치료의학

PURPOSE: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a rare genetic vascular disorder, has been rarely reported in South Korea. We investigated the current prevalence and presenting patterns of genetically confirmed HHT in South Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We defined HHT patients as those with proven mutations on known HHT-related genes (ENG, ACVRL1, SMAD4, and GDF2) or those fulfilling 3 or 4 of the Curaçao criteria. A computerized systematic search was performed in PubMed and KoreaMed using the following search term: (“hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia” AND “Korea”) OR (“Osler-Weber-Rendu” AND “Korea”). We also collected government health insurance data. HHT genetic testing results were collected from three tertiary hospitals in which the genetic tests were performed. We integrated patient data by analyzing each case to obtain the prevalence and presenting pattern of HHT in South Korea. RESULTS: We extracted 90 cases from 52 relevant articles from PubMed and KoreaMed. An additional 22 cases were identified from the three Korean tertiary hospitals after excluding seven cases that overlapped with those in the published articles. Finally, 112 HHT patients were identified (41 males and 71 females, aged 4–82 years [mean±standard deviation, 45.3±20.6 years]). The prevalence of HHT in South Korea is about 1 in 500,000, with an almost equal prevalence among men and women. Forty-nine patients underwent genetic testing, of whom 28 had HHT1 (ENG mutation) and 19 had HHT2 (ACVRL1 mutation); the other two patients were negative for ENG, ACVRL1, and SMAD4 mutations. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HHT is underestimated in Korea. The rate of phenotypic presentation seems to be similar to that found worldwide. Korean health insurance coverage is limited to representative genetic analysis to detect ENG and ACVRL1 mutations. Further genetic analyses to detect HHT3, HHT4, and other forms of HHT should be implemented.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations: diagnostic and treatment characteristics / Malformações arteriovenosas pulmonares: características diagnósticas e de tratamento

ABSTRACT Objective: To present a case series of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs), describing the main clinical findings, the number/location of pulmonary vascular abnormalities, the clinical complications, and the treatment administered. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study evaluating patients with PAVM divided into two groups: hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT); and idiopathic PAVM (iPAVM). Results: A total of 41 patients were selected for inclusion, but only 33 had PAVMs. After clinical evaluation, 27 and 6 were diagnosed with HHT and iPAVM, respectively. In the HHT group, the mean age was 49.6 years and 88.9% were female. In that group, 4 patients had an SpO2 of < 90% and the most common clinical finding was epistaxis. In the iPAVM group, the mean age was 48.1 years and 83.3% were female. In that group, 3 patients had an SpO2 of < 90%. Computed tomographic pulmonary angiography showed that most of the PAVMs were in the lower lobes: 56.4% in the HHT group and 85.7% in the iPAVM group. Embolization was performed in 23 patients (in both groups). At this writing, 10 patients are scheduled to undergo the procedure. One of the patients who underwent embolization was subsequently referred for pulmonary resection. Conclusions: In both of the PAVM groups, there was a predominance of women and of fistulas located in the lower lobes. Few of the patients had respiratory symptoms, and most had an SpO2 > 90%. The treatment chosen for all patients was percutaneous transcatheter embolization.

RESUMO Objetivo: Apresentar uma série de casos de malformações arteriovenosas pulmonares (MAVP) e descrever os principais achados clínicos, a quantidade e localização das MAVP, as complicações clínicas e os tratamentos realizados. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo observacional que avaliou pacientes com MAVP divididos em dois grupos: telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditária (THH) e MAVP idiopática (MAVPi). Resultados: Foram avaliados 41 pacientes, sendo 33 pacientes portadores de MAVP. Após a avaliação clínica, 27 e 6 foram diagnosticados com THH e MAVPi, respectivamente. No grupo THH a média de idade foi de 49,6 anos e 88,9% eram do sexo feminino. Desses pacientes, 4 tinham SpO2 < 90% e o achado clínico mais frequente era epistaxe. No grupo MAVPi a média de idade foi de 48,1 anos, sendo que 83,3% eram do sexo feminino. Desses, 3 tinham SpO2 < 90%. Após a realização de angiotomografia de tórax observou-se que a maior parte das MAVP se situava nos lobos inferiores, totalizando 56,4% e 85,7% nos grupos THH e MAVPi, respectivamente. O tratamento por embolização foi realizado em 23 pacientes nos dois grupos, enquanto 10 aguardavam o procedimento até o momento da escrita deste estudo. Um paciente submetido à embolização foi encaminhado para ressecção pulmonar. Conclusões: Em ambos os grupos de pacientes com MAVP observou-se uma predominância de mulheres e de fístulas localizadas nos lobos inferiores. A maioria era assintomático respiratório com SpO2 > 90%. O tratamento de escolha para todos foi a embolização percutânea por cateter.

Síndrome de rendu osler weber en una adolescente en colombia. reporte de un caso de autopsia / Rendu osler weber syndrome in an adolescent in colombia. an autopsy case report

RESUMEN La telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria es una enfermedad genética rara, perteneciente al grupo de púrpuras angiopáticas de tipo congénito, caracterizada por lesiones vasculares, encontrando frecuentemente telangiectasias en piel y mucosa del tracto gastrointestinal, fístulas arteriovenosas pulmonares y malformaciones vasculares en sistema nervioso central. Su manifestación clínica más frecuente son las hemorragias del tracto respiratorio superior. Este es el caso de una adolescente de 13 años con hallazgos de hepatopatía crónica, esplenomegalia difusa, pancitopenia, fístulas arteriovenosas pulmonares, deterioro neurológico progresivo secundario a hemorragia subaracnoidea con posterior defunción. Se realizó autopsia médicocientífica que reveló múltiples telangiectasias en mucosas, cirrosis de Osler, malformaciones arteriovenosas en polígono encefálico, hemorragia intraventricular con extensión subaracnoidea y bronconeumonía bibasal con pleuritis secundaria.

ABSTRACT Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a rare genetic disease, belonging to the group of congenital angiopathic purpuras. Vascular injuries characterize it, being the most frequent telangiectasia on the skin and the gastrointestinal tract mucosa, pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas and vascular malformations in the central nervous system. The most frequent clinical manifestations are hemorrhages from the upper respiratory tract. It is presented the case of a 13-year-old girl with findings of chronic liver disease, diffuse splenomegaly, pancytopenia, pulmonary arteriovenous fistulas, progressive neurological deterioration secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage with subsequent death. A medical-scientific autopsy was carried out that revealed multiple telangiectasias in mucous membranes, Osler's cirrhosis, arteriovenous malformations in the brain polygon, intraventricular hemorrhage with subarachnoid extension, and bibasal bronchopneumonia with secondary pleuritis.

Gene identification in a family of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia / 中华血液学杂志

Objective@#To study the mutation of ENG, ACVRL1, and SMAD4 genes in one of a family of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and explore its molecular pathogenesis. @*Methods@#A family spectrum of a patient with a clinical diagnosis of HHT was surveyed. Peripheral blood samples from proband and their eldest were collected, and ENG, ACVRL1 and SMAD4 gene analysis was performed by chip capture high-throughput sequencing. The mutation detected was verified by Sanger. @*Results@#9 of the 71 family members were diagnosed with HHT with the main manifestation of recurrent nasal bleeding. Genetic analysis showed that the proband and the eldest son of ENG gene exon 9 frameshift mutation: c.1502-1503insGG (p.Gly501GlyfsX18) , and mutations in ACVRL1 and SMAD4 genes were not detected. @*Conclusion@#The frameshift mutation c.1502-1503insGG (p.Gly501GlyfsX18) of the ENG gene is the genetic basis for the pathogenesis of this HHT family.

Gene identification in a family of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To study the mutation of ENG, ACVRL1, and SMAD4 genes in one of a family of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and explore its molecular pathogenesis. Methods: A family spectrum of a patient with a clinical diagnosis of HHT was surveyed. Peripheral blood samples from proband and their eldest were collected, and ENG, ACVRL1 and SMAD4 gene analysis was performed by chip capture high-throughput sequencing. The mutation detected was verified by Sanger. Results: 9 of the 71 family members were diagnosed with HHT with the main manifestation of recurrent nasal bleeding. Genetic analysis showed that the proband and the eldest son of ENG gene exon 9 frameshift mutation: c.1502-1503insGG (p.Gly501GlyfsX18) , and mutations in ACVRL1 and SMAD4 genes were not detected. Conclusion: The frameshift mutation c.1502-1503insGG (p.Gly501GlyfsX18) of the ENG gene is the genetic basis for the pathogenesis of this HHT family.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento endovascular de las malformaciones arteriovenosas pulmonares y hepáticas en pacientes adultos con telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria / Diagnosis and Endovascular Treatment of Pulmonary and Hepatic Arteriovenous Malformations in Adult Patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

La telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria (THH) o síndrome de Rendu-Osler-Weber (SROW) es una displasia vascular autosómica dominante con penetrancia variable, caracterizada por malformaciones arteriovenosas y telangiectasias mucocutáneas. Actualmente, el diagnóstico y pronóstico está orientado a la identificación temprana de factores de riesgo, signos y síntomas, así como en el reconocimiento e identificación de las malformaciones vasculares en los diferentes órganos que se ven afectados por la enfermedad. La aplicación de técnicas percutáneas, por parte de un equipo de radiología intervencionista, hace parte del abordaje en el tratamiento de los pacientes a quienes se les han confirmado malformaciones arteriovenosas en pulmón e hígado, como en los casos que se expondrán en esta revisión. Con estas técnicas de tratamiento se ha logrado curar o paliar las complicaciones que se pudieran generar por las diferentes malformaciones.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) or Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome (ROWS) is an autosomal dominant vascular dysplasia with variable penetrance, characterized by arteriovenous malformations and mucocutaneous telangiectasias. The current diagnosis and prognosis is oriented to the early identification of risk factors, signs and symptoms, as well as in the recognition and characterization of vascular malformations in the different organs that are involved by the disease. The application of percutaneous techniques by an interventional radiology team is part of the approach in the treatment of patients with confirmation of arteriovenous malformations in lung and liver, such as in the cases that will be exposed in this revision. These treatment techniques have achieved the curative or palliative control of the different complications that could be generated by the different malformations.

Bevacizumab as a treatment for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia in children: a case report / Bevacizumab como tratamiento para telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria en niños: Reporte de caso

Abstract Case description: Five-year-old female patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Clinical Findings: Deterioration of cardiopulmonary function with higher oxygen requirements secondary to pulmonary arteriovenous shunts, epistaxis. Treatment and Outcome: The patient was treated with the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab, which inhibits the vascular endothelial growth factor, with good clinical outcome. Clinical Relevance: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by arteriovenous malformations in different organs, making its clinical presentations varied. Systemic therapeutic options for a generalized disease are limited. The monoclonal antibody bevacizumab, seems to be a good option in this disorder. Although reported as successful in adult population, its use in pediatric population has not yet been reported. Here we report the use of bevacizumab in a 5-year-old female patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, showing clinical benefits and good outcome.

Resumen Descripción del caso: Paciente de cinco años de sexo femenino con telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria. Hallazgos Clínicos: Deterioro de la función cardiopulmonar con mayores requerimientos de oxígeno secundario a shunt pulmonar arteriovenoso, epistaxis. Tratamiento y resultado: La paciente fue tratada con el anticuerpo monoclonal bevacizumab, que inhibe el factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular, con buen resultado clínico. Relevancia clínica: La telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria es un trastorno autosómico dominante caracterizado por malformaciones arteriovenosas en diferentes órganos, lo que hace que sus presentaciones clínicas varíen. Las opciones terapéuticas sistémicas para la enfermedad generalizada son limitadas. El anticuerpo monoclonal bevacizumab, parece ser una buena opción en este trastorno. Aunque se ha reportado como exitoso en la población adulta, su uso en población pediátrica aún no ha sido reportado. Aquí se informa el uso de bevacizumab en una paciente de 5 años de edad con telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria, mostrando beneficios clínicos y buen resultado.

Trasplante hepático por insuficiencia cardíaca secundaria a telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria o enfermedad de Rendu Osler Weber: caso clínico / Liver transplant as treatment for cardiac failure secondary to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: report of one case

Liver involvement by multiple arterio-venous shunts in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia can lead to severe heart failure. Total hepatectomy with liver transplantation has emerged as a therapeutic option for severe cases where other therapies have failed. We report a 51-year-old male who underwent a liver transplant for this condition, with full cardiac recovery within the first year after receiving the allograft. Nine years after transplantation, he remains with normal functional capacity and normal liver function tests.

Enfermedad de Rendu Osler Weber: presentación de un caso / Rendu Osler Weber disease: one case report

Fundamento: la telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria o enfermedad de Rendu-Osler-Weber es una enfermedad autosómica dominante caracterizada por la presencia de múltiples telangiectasias en piel y mucosas, asociadas a malformaciones arteriovenosas de distintos órganos, incluidos pulmones, sistema gastrointestinal y sistema nervioso central. Su pronóstico es incierto, con un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz es posible mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente y lograr una expectativa de vida similar a la de la población general. Objetivo: presentar un caso con el diagnóstico de telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria. Caso Clínico: paciente femenina de 64 años de edad con diagnóstico de telangiectasia hemorrágica hace 17 años, con episodios de epistaxis frecuente, antecedentes familiares de la enfermedad (padre, tíos paternos y hermanos), que ingresa en el servicio de cuidados intermedios con cuadro de epistaxis y manifestaciones clínicas de anemia aguda, lesiones nodulares en manos, dedos y pabellón auricular, con telangiectasias en la lengua. Conclusiones: la telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria es una enfermedad poco frecuente pero existen reportes de casos a nivel mundial.

Background: hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) or Rendu Osler Weber Sickness is a dominant autosomic illness characterized by the presence of multiple telangiectasias on skin and mucus, associated to arterovenous malformations in different organs, including lungs, central nervous system and gastrointestinal system. Its prognosis is uncertain. It is possible to improve the quality of life by diagnosing and treating it early, therefore a life expectancy similar to the general population can be reached. Objetive: to present a case with a diagnosis of HHT. Clinical case: A sixty-four-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of HHT 17 years ago, with episodes of frequent epistaxis and a family history of HHT (father, uncles on the father´s side and brothers) is admitted to the ICU with clinical manifestations, acute anemia and nodule lesions on her hands, fingers and auricular pavillion, with telangiectasias on the tongue. Conclusion: HHT is not a common illness but there are cases reported all over the world.

Abcesso cerebral num doente com Rendu-Osler-Weber / Cerebral abscess in a patient with Rendu-Osler-Weber

A telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditária é uma doença familiar rara, descrita pela primeira vez no final do século 19, caracterizada por telangiectasias mucocutâneas e viscerais, e por malformações arteriovenosas. Manifestações neurológicas ocorrem em 8 a 12% dos doentes e resultam em mais de metade dos casos de malformações arteriovenosas pulmonares. A telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditária é uma das causas mais frequentes de abcessos cerebrais recorrentes, múltiplos e bilaterais, tendendo estes a ocorrerem na 3a para a 5a década. Apresentamos o caso de uma mulher de 88 anos admitida por prostração, febre e insuficiência respiratória, com a suspeita de metastização pulmonar de neoplasia oculta, cuja investigação revelou, entretanto, um abcesso cerebral secundário a malformações arteriovenosas pulmonares. Apesar da antibioterapia e da drenagem cirúrgica do abcesso, a paciente veio a falecer. O prognóstico após drenagem dos abcessos sem ressecção das lesões pulmonares é desfavorável, podendo sua elevada mortalidade refletir um atraso diagnóstico pela falta de reconhecimento dessa associação.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a rare familial disorder, first described in the late 19th century characterized by multiple mucocutaneous and visceral telangiectases and arteriovenous malformations. Neurologic manifestations occur in 8 to 12% of patients and result from pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in 50% of cases. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is one of the most frequent causes of recurrent, multiple and bilateral cerebral abscess and these tend to occur in the 3rd to 5th decade. We present the case of an 88-year-old woman admitted for prostration, fever and respiratory failure who was thought to have pulmonary metastasis of an unknown tumor but investigation revealed a brain abscess secondary to pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. Despite antibiotics and surgical drainage the patient died. The prognosis of brain abscess drainage without resection of the pulmonary lesions is not favorable. The high mortality of brain abscess in these patients may reflect a delay in diagnosis due to lack of recognition of this association.

Case for diagnosis

The Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome or Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is a systemic fibrovascular dysplasia characterized by defects in the elastic and vascular walls of blood vessels, making them varicose and prone to disruptions. Lesions occur in different organs and can lead to hemorrhage in the lungs, digestive tract and brain. We describe the case of a patient with cutaneous manifestations and severe impairment of the digestive tract. It is important for the dermatologist to recognize this syndrome, since the cutaneous lesions may play a key role in diagnosis.

Poikilodermatous changes on the forearms of a woman practicing aroma-therapy: extracervical poikiloderma of Civatte?

We report the case of a 48-year-old, Caucasian female who presented with slowly progressing asymptomatic poikilodermatous changes of the extensor aspects of the forearms. She also had typical Poikiloderma of Civatte on the V of the neck and erythemato-telangiectatic rosacea of the central face. The patient had been practicing aroma-therapy for many years. Histologic examination revealed findings consistent with PC. Patch-testing revealed positive reactions to Fragrance mix and Nickel sulphate. Based on clinical and histological findings, a diagnosis of extracervical PC was suggested. PC with extra-cervical or extra-facial involvement is rare. In addition, this case supports the theory that contact sensitization to fragrances may contribute to the development of PC.

A Case of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Diagnosed through Spontaneous Hemothorax / 결핵및호흡기질환

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT, Osler-Weber-Rendu disease) is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by heterogenous multisystemic dysplasia of the vascular tissue. Prevalence of HHT is 1 in 5,000~8,000. HHT commonly presents with recurrent epistaxis, but may have more serious consequences if visceral vascular beds are involved. Approximately 30~50% of HHT cases also present with pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM). Spontaneous hemothorax is less common, and PAVM is one of the causes leading to hemothorax. Our case involved an 18-year-old female who had suddenly developed right chest pain. The reason for chest pain was due to right spontaneous hemothorax accompanied by PAVM in the right middle lobe. The patient was additionally diagnosed with HHT upon examination of her family history, specifically through her mother's symptom that included recurrent epistaxis and mucosal telangiectasia.

Two Cases of High Output Heart Failure Caused by Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

High-output cardiac failure is a rare complication of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) usually caused by shunting of blood through atriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the liver. We describe two cases of high output heart failure due to large hepatic AVMs. Clinical suspicion of HHT based on detailed history taking and physical examination is essential for early detection and proper management of heart failure associated with HHT.

Diagnosis and treatment of hepatic hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To summarize the experiences in the diagnosis and treatment of the hepatic hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHHT).Methods The clinical data of 15 HHHT patients who were admitted to the Qilu Hospital,People's Hospital of Mengyin,People's Hospital of Liaocheng,Henan Provincial People's Hospital,the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University,First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University were retrospectively analyzed.The clinical manifestation,features of imaging and laboratory examination were summarized,and the diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of the disease were investigated.Results HHHT patients had nonspecific symptoms in the early stage,and some patients presented with right upper quadrant discomfort,shortness of breath,anemia and liver bruit.The condition of HHHT patients could be worsened by liver cirrhosis or portal hypertension rapidly.The results of color doppler ultrasound and computed tomography showed intrahepatic telangiectasia,arteriovenous fistula and hepatic artery aneurysm in the 15 patients.Digital subtraction angiography was not clear enough for 2 HHHT patients with more than 1 enlarged hepatic arteries,but computed tomographic angiography was feasible.According to the degree and stages of the HHHT,all the 15 patients were divided into asymptomatic HHHT,simple HHHT and complex HHHT.Among the 6 patients who underwent surgical treatment,5 received ligation or banding of the enlarged hepatic arteries with subsequent disappearance of symptoms.Three patients received interventional treatment,and the treatment for 1 patient with complex HHHT was failed,and the patient died 30 months after medical treatment.Six patients were treated by conservative treatment,2 patients of them had no symptoms at the beginning,then they suffered from hepatic dysfunction and ascites at 21 and 35 months,respectively,and 1 of them died 6 months later.Four patients received medical treatment,and the results of color doppler ultrasound and computed tomography showed the pathological changes were aggravated gradually.Conclusions Telangiectasia,intrahepatic arteriovenous fistula and hepatic artery aneurysm are the main imaging characteristics of HHHT,and imaging diagnosis has significant value in the diagnosis of HHHT.HHHT is a progressive disease,early,active and individualized treatment is beneficial to the patients.The outcome of ligation or banding of the hepatic arteries is satisfactory.

Telangiectasia hereditária hemorrágica: causa rara de hipertensão pulmonar? / Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: rare cause of pulmonary hypertension?

Uma mulher de 73 anos foi admitida ao Pronto-Socorro com insuficiência cardíaca predominantemente direita e anemia. Após avaliação clínica e imagenológica, um diagnóstico de hipertensão pulmonar (HP) associado com telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditária (THH) foi confirmado. A resposta inicial à terapia com bosentan mais sildenafil foi boa, incluindo melhora na Classe Funcional e redução do edema, permitindo que ela recebesse alta hospitalar. Infelizmente, a paciente faleceu devido à sua condição básica, antes que o efeito do tratamento combinado pudesse ser completamente avaliado. A HP deve ser considerada em pacientes com THH e o screening para HP deve ser conduzido nesses pacientes e em seus familiares.

A 73-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency room with predominantly right-sided heart failure and anemia. Following clinical and imagiological evaluation, a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) was confirmed. The initial response to bosentan plus sildenafil was good, including improvement in functional class and reduction of edema, allowing her to be discharged. Unfortunately, the patient died, due to her underlying condition, before the effects of the combination treatment could be fully assessed. PH should be considered in patients with HTT and screening for pulmonary hypertension should be performed in these patients and their relatives.