Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia-laser treatment of epistaxis

Ear Nose Throat J. 2017 Sep;96(9):E10-E14.

Abstract

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder characterized by recurrent epistaxis, telangiectasias, and multiorgan vascular dysplasia. Various modalities exist for the treatment of HHT-related chronic epistaxis, although no method is preferred over another. The aim of this study was to review the effectiveness of diode laser photocoagulation in the treatment of epistaxis in patients with HHT. The study included 17 patients (7 men, 10 women) treated with diode laser photocoagulation from year 2008 to 2012. All patients met the Curaçao criteria for a diagnosis of HHT. Patients were followed for 1 year. Treatment success was assessed using a custom questionnaire and total blood counts. After laser photocoagulation, the frequency and intensity of bleeds were reduced significantly and average hemoglobin concentrations improved at the 4-month assessment. After laser treatment, no patient required septodermoplasty; therefore, we suggest that every patient with HHT should be treated with laser photocoagulation. Diode laser treatment is a simple and effective procedure that should be considered when treating HHT.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Epistaxis / congenital
  • Epistaxis / surgery*
  • Female
  • Genetic Diseases, Inborn / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Laser Coagulation / instrumentation
  • Laser Coagulation / methods*
  • Lasers, Semiconductor / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic / complications*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Supplementary concepts

  • Epistaxis, Hereditary