Nd:YAG laser treatment of recurrent epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Objective: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an inherited abnormality passed down as a dominant autosomal feature. Recurrent epistaxis usually constitutes the major clinical manifestation of this disease. The unsatisfactory results of conservative therapy have stimulated a research interest for the role of laser photocoagulation in telangiectatic vessels associated with this clinical entity. Method: The Nd:YAG laser was used to treat a group of 11 individuals suffering from HHT, all of whom had been previously treated using other modalities. Results and Conclusion: The excellent results of Nd:YAG laser irradiation are addressed in view of all treatment modalities proposed for the treatment of recurrent epistaxis in HHT.