I78: Diseases of capillaries

I78.0: Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia

With this disorder, blood vessels in different parts of the body can widen. If blood vessels immediately below the skin widen, they can be seen as red spots or patches. This typically affects the area around the mouth and nose.

The widened blood vessels are more prone to bleeding. This can cause severe nose bleeds, for example. Internal bleeding is also possible, for example in the stomach, the intestine or the lungs.

The disorder can begin in childhood. Over time, more and more blood vessels may widen so that the person’s problems increase during the course of their life. The disorder is hereditary. Other family members may also be affected.