About Screening for HHT Treatment HHT Specialist Locations

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT)

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At UC San Diego Health, you'll find experts who can diagnose and help you proactively manage hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

Our program is designated as a Center of Excellence by Cure HHT. We are one of only four recognized centers on the West Coast and among 32 across North America. Patients travel to our center from across California, as well as Arizona and Nevada, to get care for HHT.

Led by Dr. Jenny Zhou, our team includes medical specialists who are knowledgeable about the unique symptoms and treatment options for the disease.

What Is Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia?

HHT is an inherited condition that causes malformed blood vessels and pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM). The most common locations affected are the nose, lungs, brain and liver.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.

When to See a Doctor

An estimated 90% of those with HHT go undiagnosed, so it's important that you recognize common signs and symptoms of the disorder:

Nosebleeds (epistaxis), the most common symptom — most people with HHT typically have recurrent nosebleeds by their 20s
Cutaneous telangiectasia — red or purple spots on the face or hands
Shortness of breath
Exercise intolerance or fatigue
Headaches
Abdominal pain
Anemia
Arteriovenous malformations, which may affect pulmonary (lung), cerebral (brain) or gastrointestinal systems

Screening for HHT

If you have signs and symptoms of HHT, we strongly recommend that you undergo a thorough screening and consultation to make sure your condition is correctly diagnosed and treated. Based on your health history, your screening may include:

Physical exam
Blood count
Chest X-ray
Ultrasound
MRI
Contrast echocardiogram (bubble echo study)
CT scan
Colonoscopy or upper endoscopy
Genetic testing

Treatment for HHT

We offer comprehensive treatment options to address all the different parts of the body that the disorder may affect, including:

Treatment for nosebleeds with over-the-counter sprays / gels, moisture and humidification, hormone therapy, sclerotherapy and coblation
Laser treatment of telangiectasias on the skin of the hands, face and mouth
Endovascular embolization for arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the lungs or brain
Radiation and surgical removal of AVMs of the brain
A range of options for treating gastrointestinal bleeding, including laser photocoagulation, thermal therapy, and intravenous and oral medications
Intravenous blood vessel inhibitor drugs and adjunct therapeutic management for AVMs of the liver