Hemorrhagic hereditary telangiectasia (Rendu-Osler disease) and infectious diseases: an underestimated association.

Among 353 patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia retrospectively analyzed during the period 1985-2005, we identified 67 cases of severe infection that affected 48 patients (13.6%). Extracerebral infections accounted for 67% of all infections, and most involved Staphylococcus aureus and were associated with prolonged epistaxis. Cerebral infections accounted for 33% of all infections, were mainly due to multiple and anaerobic bacteria, and were associated with the presence of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations and a short duration of epistaxis.