Cutaneous lesions in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia: successful treatment with the tunable dye laser.

BACKGROUND

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant inherited condition that has cutaneous telangiectasia as a component of its manifestations. It has been found that the tunable dye laser is effective in the clearance of these lesions.

METHODS

Twelve patients with HHT between 1991 and 1999 were treated with the tunable dye laser. Treatment was carried out at 3-month intervals.

RESULTS

Of the 12 patients treated with the tunable dye laser, 10 were evaluated after treatment. In all cases, the cutaneous component had resolved.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of HHT should be considered in all cases of telangiectatic skin lesions. The tunable dye laser appears to be an effective means of resolving any cosmetic problems.