Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What major oral manifestation should be looked for in Hereditary telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome)?

1. Bleeding gums

2. Blanching

3. Ulcerations

4. Enamel hypoplasia

The correct answer is: Blanching

In the context of Hereditary telangiectasia, also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, the major oral manifestation to look for is blanching. This condition is characterized by the presence of vascular malformations, particularly telangiectasias, which are small, dilated blood vessels that appear as red spots or lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. In the oral cavity, these telangiectasias can cause blanching of the mucosal tissues when pressure is applied, as the blood can be displaced from these abnormal vessels. This is a key clinical feature in patients with Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome and serves as an important diagnostic indicator. Understanding the nature of these vascular lesions helps to differentiate this syndrome from other conditions that may present with similar oral findings. For instance, while bleeding gums and ulcerations can occur in various oral diseases, they are not hallmark features of Hereditary telangiectasia. Enamel hypoplasia, which involves defects in enamel formation, is not associated with this syndrome either. Thus, recognizing the characteristic blanching associated with telangiectasias is crucial for identifying and managing this genetic condition in dental practice.