Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome: a current perspective on cerebral manifestations

Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome (hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia) is a va scular dysplasia characterized by recurrent epistaxis, mucocutaneous telang iectasia and a family history of the disorder. Although rare, it may cause significant morbidity to healthy and young individuals. We report three cas es highlighting the cerebral manifestations of this disorder. These cases i nclude cerebral abscess, cerebral haemorrhage and embolic stroke. These cer ebral manifestations are due to complications associated with pulmonary art eriovenous fistulae or cerebral vascular malformations. The current managem ent and screening for this disorder are reviewed.