Ocular manifestations in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Rendu-Osler-Weber disease): a case-series.

BACKGROUND

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Rendu-Osler-Weber disease) is an autosomal dominant vascular disorder characterized by severe and recurrent nosebleeds, muco-cutaneous telangiectasias, and, in some cases, life-threatening visceral arteriovenous malformations. Ocular abnormalities include conjunctival telangiectasia, arteriovenous fistula, angiectasia, phlebectasia, and angioma.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We describe the ocular abnormalities in 8 patients from a pedigree with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. This article also reviews and discusses the relevant literature.

RESULTS

Five patients (62.5%) had conjunctival telangiectasias and 3 (37.5%) retinal abnormalities, consisting mainly of choriocapillaris atrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the occurrence of choriocapillaris atrophy in patients affected by hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and belonging to the same pedigree.