Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Which symptom is commonly associated with the diagnosis of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia?

1. Varicose veins

2. Frequent nosebleeds

3. Blue skin discoloration

4. Joint pain

The correct answer is: Frequent nosebleeds

Frequent nosebleeds are a hallmark symptom of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT), which is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal blood vessel formation. Individuals with HHT often experience recurrent epistaxis (nosebleeds) due to the presence of telangiectasias, which are small dilated blood vessels that can rupture easily. These blood vessel abnormalities can be found not only in the nasal mucosa but also in other organs, contributing to various symptoms. Frequent nosebleeds can lead to significant discomfort and may require medical management to prevent complications such as iron deficiency anemia. The other symptoms listed are either not specific to HHT or are more commonly associated with other conditions. Varicose veins, while related to blood vessel abnormalities, do not capture the specific vascular malformations seen in HHT. Blue skin discoloration is usually related to cyanosis or other vascular issues rather than the telangiectasias characteristic of HHT. Joint pain is not a recognized symptom of HHT and would point towards a different underlying issue, possibly related to musculoskeletal disorders or inflammatory diseases. Therefore, frequent nosebleeds stand out as the most indicative symptom associated with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia