Brachial Artery Tear Occurring Concurrently with A Distal Biceps Injury Led to A Diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Type IV

Abstract

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) type IV is a connective tissue disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance. It can be potentially life-threatening due to increased risk of arterial rupture. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings including thin, translucent skin; bleeding propensity, rupture of vessels, and viscera. Isolated peripheral vascular injury may be the first presenting complaint, leading to eventual diagnosis in patients who often experience minimal trauma. We present a case of a brachial artery rupture requiring surgical reconstruction, eventually leading to the diagnosis of EDS type IV after a non-contact, low-energy injury to the arm of an adolescent.