[Rare case of multiple pulmonary nodules--a case report]

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Pulmonology
• Genetics

Background:

• Rendu-Osler disease, also known as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), is a rare genetic disorder affecting blood vessel formation.
• Pulmonary manifestations, such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), can occur but may be challenging to diagnose, especially when presenting as solitary pulmonary nodules.

Observation:

• A 44-year-old female presented with left thoracic pain and a solitary pulmonary nodule identified on chest X-ray.
• The patient had multiple comorbidities, including severe dyslipidemia, ischemic cerebellar lesions, and Rendu-Osler disease.

Findings:

• Contrast-enhanced CT scan revealed the pulmonary nodule to be an arteriovenous malformation.
• This finding confirmed the pulmonary manifestation of the patient's known Rendu-Osler disease.

Implications:

• This case underscores the necessity of comprehensive diagnostic workup for pulmonary nodules, particularly in patients with known connective tissue disorders.
• Early and accurate diagnosis of pulmonary AVMs in Rendu-Osler disease is crucial for timely intervention and management to prevent complications like hemorrhage or stroke.
• The case provides an opportunity to review the etiopathogeny, diagnosis, and treatment of Rendu-Osler disease, emphasizing its diverse clinical presentations.