Cardiovascular manifestations of type IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - A case report

Abstract

Type IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vascular) is a rare connective tissue disease caused by COL3A1 gene mutation on type III collagen. Clinical presentation is related to vascular fragility and risk of rupture of the arterial wall. Definite diagnosis is given by genetic study and the approach to these patients requires a multidisciplinary team and effective blood pressure control. There is currently only one medication with potential benefit in prevention of cardiovascular events: celiprolol. This article describes the case of a 41-year-old female patient, diagnosed with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome after multiple major cardiovascular events: aortic, coronary and carotid dissections and venous and arterial thrombosis. These required multiple surgical interventions and long-term admission in intensive care units leading to complete functional recovery. This case report seeks to stress the need for an early diagnosis to prevent the severe cardiovascular complications of this rare syndrome.

Keywords: Celiprolol; Connective tissue disorders; Doença do colagénio; Ehlers-Danlos vascular; Ehlers-Danlos vascular syndrome.