Rendu-Osler’s disease: the effectiveness of mixed technology laser (Alexandrite laser combined with Nd:YAG laser)

Abstract

Rendu-Osler’s disease is an autosomal dominant disorder that usually affects the skin and mucous membranes, but also internal organs can be involved. To date, laser treatments have been used only to treat systemic lesions, while diathermocoagulation has been considered the primary treatment for skin lesions. We wished to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with Alexandrite laser combined with Nd:YAG laser on vascular skin lesions of these patients. Vascular skin damage of 3 patients afflicted with Rendu-Osler’s disease was treated with Alexandrite laser combined with Nd laser:YAG laser. After 3 treatments, once a month, we found a remarkable improvement in skin lesions. The cutaneous manifestations of Rendu-Osler’s disease do not increase the mortality of these patients but are often the source of psychological discomfort. For this reason, it is necessary to have an effective treatment on hand and the Alexandrite laser combined with Nd:YAG laser represents an excellent therapeutic alternative to the diathermocoagulation.