2nd half of red Flashcards
What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
group of connective tissue disorders caused by mutations of connective tissue proteins, with collagen being the most commonly affected.
Rf for EDS
fAMILY HISTORY - AUTOSOMAL dominant is the most common subytype
What does EDS lead to
Weakened connective tissue in the skin, bones, blood vessels, and organs, which accounts for the numerous features of the disorder.
Classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
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Classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Caused by mutation in COL5A1 and COL5A2 genes
- Passed on by autosomal dominant inheritance
Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Mutation in COL3A1
- Decrease in type III collagen weakens blood vessels
- Most dangerous due to risk of aneurysms as well as aortic and organ rupture
Autosomal recessive EDS
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Classical-like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
- Mutation in gene that encodes TNXB (causes defect in protein called tenascin X)
- Tenascin-X provides flexibility and also plays a role in regulating production and assembly of certain types of collagen
- Mutation in gene that encodes TNXB (causes defect in protein called tenascin X)
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Kyphoscoliotic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Insufficient lysyl hydroxylase
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Musculocontractural Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Defect in collagen peptidase
Clinical manifestations of EDS
Musculoskeletal
- Joint hypermobility and pain
- Recurrent dislocation
- Scoliosis and spinal pain
Skin
- Hyperelasticity
- Easy bruising
- Atrophic skin
Investigations for EDS
- Examine joints and skin
- Genetic testing to identify mutation
- Echocardiogram:assess for mitral valve prolapse and aortic root dilatation
- Spine X-ray:evidence of scoliosis or spondylolisthesis (vertebral misalignment); usually required in patients with spinal pain or scoliosis on examination
Management for EDS
- Physiotherapy
- Orthopaedic instrument e.g. bracing, wheelchair and casting
- Lifestyle advice: avoid contact sports and heavy labour to reduce the risk of tissue damage and joint dislocation
- Analgesia
- Psychological input: due to chronic pain and the impact on quality of life, patients may develop mental illness
Complications
Mitral valve prolapse: mid-systolic click and late-systolic murmur
Aortic dissection
Abdominal aortic aneurysms
Organ rupture
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Angioid retinal streaks
Abdominal hernia
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Degenerative arthritis due to recurrent joint dislocation
Depression and anxiety
What is Marfans syndrome
genetic disorder that results in defective connective tissue. This can affect the skeleton, heart, blood vessels, eyes and lungs.
Epidemiology of Marfans
he incidence in the European population is estimated to be 3 in 10,000.
Pathophysiology if Marfan’s
- Marfan syndrome is caused by mutations in a gene called FBN1 (fibrillin 1) on chromosome 15. This is autosomal dominant.
- FBN1 gene encodes fibrillin 1 protein. In Marfan syndrome, fibrillin 1 is either dysfunctional or less abundant, which results in fewer functional microfibrils. This also means there is less tissue integrity and elasticity.
- Additionally, TGF-beta doesnt get successfully sequestered so TGF-beta signalling is excessive in these tissues = more growth
Clinical features of Marfans
Features might not always be there
- Tall stature, long arms and long legs due to excessive long bone growth
- Arachnodactyly - long fingers and toes
- Pectus excavatum (chest sinks in) or pectus carinatum (chest points out)
- Scoliosis
- Inability to extend elbows to 180 degrees
- Flexible joints (hypermobility)
- Downward slant of the eyes
- Narrow high-arch palate - crowds teeth
- Stretch marks
Investigations for Marfans
Diagnosis is based on clinical features (diagnose if >2 features)
- Lens dislocation
- Aortic dissection/ dilation
- Dural ectasia - widening of the dural sac
- Skeletal features e.g. long arms, arachnodactyly
- Pectus deformity
- Scoliosis
- Pes planus - flat feet
MRI