Pediatric Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) Center
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Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for HHT care?
When your child has hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a blood vessel problem, early screening can identify serious arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) before complications occur. Our specialists are worldwide leaders in advanced imaging techniques for HHT-related AVMs in the brain, lungs and liver.
Our program includes dedicated pediatric neurovascular specialists and comprehensive treatment options, including embolization, Gamma Knife radiosurgery (radiation therapy) and surgery when appropriate.
We provide ongoing monitoring throughout childhood and coordinate a smooth transition to adult HHT care. Because HHT often affects relatives, our genetics and hematology experts help care for your whole family.
Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for HHT care?
When your child has hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a blood vessel problem, early screening can identify serious arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) before complications occur. Our specialists are worldwide leaders in advanced imaging techniques for HHT-related AVMs in the brain, lungs and liver.
Our program includes dedicated pediatric neurovascular specialists and comprehensive treatment options, including embolization, Gamma Knife radiosurgery (radiation therapy) and surgery when appropriate.
We provide ongoing monitoring throughout childhood and coordinate a smooth transition to adult HHT care. Because HHT often affects relatives, our genetics and hematology experts help care for your whole family.
Expertise in brain AVMs
Our specialists use advanced imaging and a full range of treatments to detect and treat brain AVMs in children.Care for lung and liver AVMs
We have extensive experience in identifying and treating AVMs affecting the lungs and liver.Support for bleeding concerns
Our hematology specialists help manage nosebleeds, anemia and other bleeding concerns linked to HHT.Advanced genetic evaluation
Our genetic specialists confirm HHT diagnoses and evaluate complex cases when standard testing is inconclusive.
Collaborative, multispecialty team
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare genetic condition where blood vessels don't form correctly. Your child may have frequent nosebleeds and red spots on their skin.
People with HHT often develop arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), a tangle of blood vessels that causes irregular connections between the arteries and veins.
Because HHT can affect several parts of the body, your child may receive care from many specialists. To diagnose HHT and identify or treat AVMs, your child's care team may include specialists in:
Interventional radiology
To manage symptoms and support your child's overall health, their care team may also include specialists in:
Providers
Steven W. Hetts, MD
Radiology (Neuroradiology) • Interventional Radiology
Miles B. Conrad, MD, MPH
Interventional Radiology
Daniel Cooke, MD
Radiology • Radiology (Neuroradiology)
Christine Fox, MD, MS
Neurology (Vascular Neurology) • Pediatric Neurology
Awards & achievements
#1
in NIH funding among U.S. neurology programs
One of the nation's best for neurology & neurosurgery
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
- Epistaxis
- Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
- Telangiectasia
Treatments
- AVM Embolization
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Accreditations & memberships
Cure HHT Center of Excellence
We received a Center of Excellence designation from Cure HHT, the leading organization for HHT research funding, education and patient advocacy.
Trials & research
Clinical trials
Comprehensive HHT Outcomes Registry of the United States (CHORUS)Opens in a new window
The Comprehensive HHT Outcomes Registry of the United States (CHORUS) is an observational registry of patients diagnosed with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT). The purpose of this study is to better understand HHT, the symptoms and complications it causes, and the impact the disease has on people's lives...
Research initiatives
UCSF Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging ResearchOpens in a new window
The UCSF Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging is home to many state-of-the-art research labs, all working to use imaging technologies to improve the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.