Chronic anaemia in a patient with haemorrhagic telangiectasia and juvenile gastric polyposis

History: A 52-year-old woman with chronic anaemia presented with recurrent epistaxis, telangiectasias and haemangiomas, suggesting the presence of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Rendu-Weber disease). Moreover, previous investigations had also shown multiple polyps of the stomach. Investigations: A severe microcytic iron deficiency anaemia in combination with hepatic haemangiomas and duodenal angiodysplasia were detected. Gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed multiple juvenile polyps in the gastric fundus and body, indicating the diagnosis of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia in combination with juvenile polyposis. Therapy and course: A gastrectomy was performed because of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding and the malignant potential of juvenile gastric polyposis. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis and did not reveal any malignancy. Conclusion: The association of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia and juvenile polyposis, as seen in this patient, has been reported repeatedly. A diagnosis of one of the described entities should initiate the screening for evidence of the other one to prevent (life-threatening) complications.