Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome

Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome is a disorder where excessive bleeding can occur due to abnormal blood vessels. Associated bleeding may occur through the skin or internally. Primarily, treatment at the Vascular Birthmark Center should revolve around addressing the abnormal blood vessels. However, in severe cases, patients often require a blood transfusion. Complications from Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome may include cirrhosis of the liver or sudden heart failure, although these cases are not typical of the disorder.

The disorder results in a type of arteriovenous malformation, which can affect the skin, along with the connections between arteries and capillaries in the brain, lungs or liver. Four specific genes have been identified as contributing to Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, and the disorder has been confirmed as hereditary.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms vary in Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, depending on where the abnormal blood vessels are located in the body. One of the most common symptoms, usually first to appear, is nosebleeds that begin in the teenage years. Visible signs, such as telangiectasias blood vessels in the skin, normally do not present until the sufferer reaches his or her twenties or thirties.

Other symptoms may include abnormal blood vessels that develop on the lips and even the whites of the eyes, vomiting blood, passing dark or bloody stools and sudden onset of fatigue, often accompanied by feeling weak and faint.

Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome Treatment

If significantly severe bleeding occurs, the patient will in all likelihood need a blood transfusion. Such cases will require specialist intervention, as there is a higher risk of complications arising from your Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome. When bleeding is mainly occurring in the skin, laser therapy can be used to treat the affected areas as part of managing the condition.

It is also important to address arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) as unregulated blood flow can put added pressure on the heart and lead to sudden heart failure. An embolization is recommended to block any abnormal blood vessels and significantly reduce associated risks. Women suffering from Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome are often encouraged to take the combined oral contraceptive pill, as female hormones have shown positive results in managing Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome symptoms.

Before pursuing any treatment, it is important to receive an accurate diagnosis from a physician who is qualified to recognize Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome. The Vascular Birthmark Center is equipped to assess patients of all ages wishing to pursue a diagnosis of and treatment for vascular malformations. Getting the diagnosis right is crucial, as the wrong treatment can have an opposite effect than that which was intended.

Reach out Today

You can reach out to the Vascular Birthmark Center today if you have any further questions or have developed symptoms which you suspect may be linked to Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome. We will take a list of your symptoms, a detailed medical and family history and advise you right away if we feel you should attend our offices for a full evaluation.