Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT)
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (also called HHT) is a rare, inherited disorder that affects blood vessels (a vascular dysplasia). It's characterized by telangiectases and arteriovenous malformation (AVM).
Diagnosis, screening, and treatment are provided in a multi-specialty setting. DNA blood testing is performed in our molecular genetics laboratory (ARUP).
Most patients can have the consultation(s) and tests, recommended in their specific case, done during a one day visit to our center. Patients who need multiple treatments and consultations may have their appointments scheduled over several days.
HHT Center of Excellence
The HHT Center at University of Utah Health was established in 1995 to offer comprehensive care for HHT. We offer expert, specialized treatment for the many and varied manifestations of HHT. Find location information and directions as well as hours for the HHT Center.
Find an HHT Specialist
Services
We also provide help with travel logistics and insurance authorizations, since most patients travel to our clinic from out-of-state. We carefully coordinate visits to assure thorough, efficient care, tailored to the medical needs of each individual. In order to appropriately schedule your visit, we obtain essential medical information about you by phone or email, as well as request previous relevant medical reports and records.
About HHT
HHT, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu), is a genetic disorder of the blood vessels (a vascular dysplasia) characterized by telangiectases and arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Telangiectasia and AVMs can be described as blood vessels that are missing the normal capillary connection between an artery and vein, such that an artery is abnormally connected directly to a vein.
The word telangiectasia tends to be used if the abnormal blood vessel is small (pinpoint to pinhead size), and AVM is used if the abnormal blood vessel is bigger. These blood vessel abnormalities occur primarily in the nose, mouth, skin of the face and hands, intestines, lungs, liver, and brain. HHT affects males and females in equal numbers and almost always affects multiple generations of a family. It tends to be very variable, even between members of the same family.
Research
The faculty at the University of Utah Health HHT Center are actively involved in research to help understand the underlying causes of HHT, as well as the optimal management and treatment of the disorder. We discuss available research studies with our patients.
