The spectrum of arteriographic findings in Osler-Weber-Rendu disease

In Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, visceral organs are frequently involved in addition to cutaneous and mucous membranous lesions. Detailed arteriographic investigation of 5 patients with this abnormality disclosed characteristic angiodysplastic lesions involving the lungs, liver, spleen, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract and mesentery. Arterial and aortic aneurysms appear to be an integral part of this abnormality. Common to angiodysplastic lesions is a variable degree of arteriovenous shunting. The arteriographic characteristics and the hemodynamic significance of major visceral arteriovenous shunts in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia are discussed.