Argon laser destruction of cutaneous telangiectatic lesions

An ophthalmological slit lamp argon laser was used on 8 patients with multiple cutaneous and mucosal telangiectasis; 6 patients had telangiectatic lesions of various etiologies and 2 had hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu disease). Bleeding from trauma was the primary symptom with cosmesis as a secondary consideration. The telangiectatic lesions were photocoagulated using the argon laser with precise microscopic control. The optimum dose was determined by varying the spot diameter, beam power, shutter speed and number of applications until the lesions were visually ablated. All treatments were accomplished on an outpatient basis with no anesthesia or sedation and minimal reported patient discomfort. No lesions have recurred over a 12 month follow-up.