Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: A pediatric-focused review

Abstract

Clinical manifestations of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) include vascular malformations of the skin, nasal mucosa, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, liver and central nervous system. These malformations range from punctate telangiectasias to larger arteriovenous malformations within visceral organs and the central nervous system. Vascular malformations increase risk for acute and chronic bleeding, anemia, as well secondary complications related to arterial-venous shunting. Diagnosis can be made with the Curaçao criteria, which includes the presence of epistaxis, telangiectasias, arteriovenous malformations, and first-degree family member with HHT. Nearly all patients with HHT will have a pathogenic variant in the ENG or ACVRL1 genes, while a smaller number will have a variant in SMAD4 or no clear genetic etiology. While there is no cure for HHT, medical management of vascular complications may include oral tranexamic acid and IV bevacizumab. Endovascular and surgical treatments are clinically indicated when the benefits outweigh the risks of the interventions.