Vascular Type of Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome – a Rare Monogenic Connective Tissue Disease

Abstract

The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a rare (orphan) disease characterized by the connective tissue dysplasia, fragility of the blood vessels and tissues, and variable clinical pattern. The vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which belongs to Group A according to the classification of 2017, is caused by the mutations in gene of alpha-1 chain of type III collagen COL3A1. The disease is characterized by the high mortality rate of the patients due to the spontaneous ruptures of the vascular walls and hollow viscera. The International Consortium (2017) developed the criteria for the clinical diagnosis of the vascular type of Ehlers – Danlos syndrome. The clinical case of the 16-year-old male patient with vascular type of Ehlers – Danlos syndrome is presented. The molecular genetic testing revealed in the child the previously described pathogenic mutation of splice site p.Gly798_Pro815del of COL3A1 gene associated with the severe course of the disease. In spite of the set of therapy measures aimed at the vascular reinforcement, stimulation and normalization of energy and mineral metabolism, the death occurred in 10 months due to the rupture of the aorta and renal artery. The Conclusion of the forensic medical examination is presented. The results of the care presented indicate that in order to avoid the omission of patients, it is advisable to revise the minimum set of signs required for the clinical diagnosis.