Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia: the use of H2 receptor antagonist in symptomatic gastric telangiectasia.

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the presence of mucocutaneous dilatation of capillaries and venules. The underlying defect, a deficiency of vascular elastic tissue and muscle, predisposes these vessels to injury and inadequate contractility. Recurrent epistaxis or gastrointestinal haemorrhage is the clinical hallmark of the symptomatic patient. Management is frequently individualized as no modality of therapy has been found to be universally effective. The purpose of this communication is to discuss the use of H2 receptor antagonist in symptomatic gastric telangiectasia.