An Unusual Case of Hemothorax in an Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Patient Following Sildenafil Use

Abstract

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a disorder of collagen production that affects the connective tissues of the body. It can cause several conditions and severely affect patients' quality of life and activities of daily living. Here, we present an unusual case of hemothorax in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome after sildenafil use. This manifested in shortness of breath and cough and prompted the patient to visit the emergency room. The hemothorax was treated surgically, and the patient recovered well. Sildenafil was initially prescribed via a telemedicine service without in-person consultation. It is important that physicans perform a thorough history and physical examination prior to prescribing medications to patients, especially those at risk for complications.

Keywords: ehlers-danlos syndrome; hospital med; spontaneous hemothorax; telemedicine; video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (vats).