For a diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, what symptom is most commonly observed?

A diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is primarily associated with recurrent nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis. This symptom is highly characteristic of the condition and is often one of the first signs a patient experiences. Individuals with HHT tend to have abnormal blood vessel formations, known as telangiectasias, which can occur on mucosal surfaces, including the nasal passages. These malformed vessels are prone to rupture, leading to frequent and often significant nosebleeds.

Other symptoms like oral lesions, easy bruising, and swollen joints are less specific to HHT. While oral lesions can occur in some patients, they are not as prevalent or defining as recurrent nosebleeds. Easy bruising may be seen in various bleeding disorders but doesn't specifically point to HHT. Swollen joints are typically associated with different medical conditions, such as arthritis or other inflammatory disorders, rather than bleeding disorders like HHT. Thus, the prevalence and specificity of recurrent nosebleeds make them the most commonly observed symptom of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.