Not Your Typical Nosebleed: A Case Report and Personal Account of a Patient With Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome

Introduction Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, or hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, is a rare genetic disease that causes recurrent epistaxis and anemia. Numerous bleeding vascular malformations can be found throughout the body. Case presentation A 75-year-old woman presented to her hematologist with recurrent epistaxis, iron deficiency anemia, menorrhagia, and hypothyroidism. Her mother had similar nosebleeds, and physical examination revealed small vascular malformations on the conjunctiva, oropharynx, tongue, lip, and palate. Heavy epistaxis occurred several times per week. Multiple nasal and gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures were performed. She received over 100 iron infusions and multiple blood transfusions. Overall treatment involved integrated care with multiple medical specialties. Conclusion Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and other complex diseases are best treated with a multidisciplinary approach within an integrated health care setting.