Treatment of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia-Related Epistaxis

Abstract

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disease with an incidence of 1:5000. Recurrent, spontaneous epistaxis is the most common presenting symptom. Severity of epistaxis varies widely, from mild, self-limited nosebleeds to severe, life-threatening nasal hemorrhage. Treatment of HHT-related epistaxis presents a challenge to the otolaryngologist due to the recurrent, persistent nature of epistaxis often requiring multiple treatments. Treatment modalities range from conservative topical therapies to more aggressive surgical treatments.

Keywords: Bevacizumab; Epistaxis; Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT); Laser photocoagulation; Osler-Weber-Rendu; Septodermoplasty; Young’s procedure.