Management of epistaxis in Rendu-Osler disease: is brachytherapy effective?

PURPOSE: This paper reviews the results of intranasal brachytherapy for epistaxis in 43 patients with Rendu-Osler disease treated between 1971-1991 at Henri Mondor Hospital.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: 2-3 intranasal catheters were afterloaded with 192Ir sources. Computer dosimetry was performed and then the dose was prescribed to an isodose thought to cover the nasal mucosa. The dose rate ranged from 0.16 Gy/h-0.63 Gy/h with a median of 0.34 Gy/h. Dose at one application ranged from 15-35 Gy with a median of 30 Gy. The severity of epistaxis was graded 1 to 5.

RESULTS

The time to recurrence of significant epistaxis ranged from 6-178 months with a median of 24 months. The dose prescribed did not correlate with control rate. The only brachytherapy complication was septal perforation in 4 patients; in one this was a result of repeated nasal coagulation.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that intranasal brachytherapy is a useful modality in the management of epistaxis in Rendu-Osler disease.