Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome
What happens in HHT?
In HHT, some of the blood vessels do not develop properly.
Normally, the arteries branch off into smaller and smaller blood vessels until they reach a network of capillaries (tiny blood vessels) that feed the body tissues and organs. Blood pressure drops in this network of capillaries, before the blood flows on into veins and back to the heart.
In HHT, some of the blood vessels from the arteries join directly with the veins. These abnormal connections are called arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
When AVMs occur in small vessels near the surface of the skin, where they are visible as red spots, they are known as telangiectasia.
When they form in the lining of the nose or the gut, they can easily bleed. Frequent bleeding can lead to anaemia, and sometimes more serious problems (see What are the symptoms? ).
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
NHS Choices information on hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome), with links to other useful resources.
What happens in HHT?
In HHT, some of the blood vessels do not develop properly. Normally, the arteries branch off into smaller and smaller blood vessels until they reach a network of capillaries (tiny blood vessels) that
What causes HHT?
Someone withHHT will have a faulty gene (genetic mutation) and, usually, this will have been inherited from one of their parents. Thisgene normally provides instructions for making certain proteins f
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms usually start in childhood or in the teenage years. Nosebleeds Often, the first sign is developing Nosebleed . They can start at any age, often in childhood. Nosebleeds may be frequent and
How isHHT treated?
There's no cure for HHT, but there are effective treatments and life expectancy is usually very good. Some patients can be managed by their GP, and some will need to be under the care of a specialist
Information about you
If you have HHT, your clinical team may pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scientists look for better ways t
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