Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, an often unrecognized clinical entity: a case report of a novel mutation in the COL3A1 gene

Croat Med J. 2022 Aug 31;63(4):394-398. doi: 10.3325/cmj.2022.63.394.

Abstract

Due to life-threatening complications, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is the most severe form of EDS. Because the syndrome is associated with a shortened life expectancy and variable clinical presentation, diagnosis confirmed by genetic testing is crucial to determining appropriate treatment. Despite some distinguishing features, this rare disease often goes unrecognized. Apart from surgical or endovascular treatment of serious vascular complications, medical treatment based on celiprolol helps reduce arterial complications. We report on a case of vEDS in a young man who suffered several episodes of severe vascular complications. The diagnosis of vEDS was established based on clinical manifestations and confirmed by genetic testing. A novel heterozygous pathogenic variant in the COL3A1 gene was found. To our knowledge, this is the first case of vEDS caused by this variant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Collagen Type III / genetics
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome* / complications
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome* / genetics
  • Genetic Testing
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mutation

Substances

  • COL3A1 protein, human
  • Collagen Type III