Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Rendu-Osler-Weber disease) presenting with polymicrobial brain abscess. Case report.

A 26-year-old man presented with expressive aphasia, weakness of the right arm, and anemia but there was no family history of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Computerized tomography (CT) of the head demonstrated an enhancing left frontal mass, which was aspirated and on culture yielded multiple organisms. Pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae identified in both lungs by chest radiography, CT, and angiography were treated with coil embolization. Treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae and prolonged surveillance are necessary to prevent future neurological complications.