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Pietri-Toro JM, Gardner OK, Leuchter JD, DiBartolomeo G, Hunter JA, Forghani I. Prevalence of cardiovascular manifestations in patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome at the University of Miami. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:1502-1507. [PMID: 36866504 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular system involvements have been frequently reported in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and aortic root dilatation are included in the 2017 international classification criteria for hEDS. Different studies have found conflicting results regarding the significance of cardiac involvement in hEDS patients. We conducted a retrospective review of cardiac involvement in patients diagnosed with hEDS based on the 2017 International diagnostic criteria to provide further evidence toward more defined and reliable diagnostic criteria and recommended cardiac surveillance. A total of 75 hEDS patients with at least one diagnostic cardiac evaluation were included in the study. The most common reported cardiovascular complaints were lightheadedness (80.6%), followed by palpitations (77.6%), fainting (44.8%), and chest pain (32.8%). Of the 62 echocardiogram reports, 57 (91.9%) showed trace/trivial to mild valvular insufficiency, and 13 (21%) had additional abnormalities such as grade I diastolic dysfunction, mild aortic sclerosis, and trivial or small pericardial effusion. Of the 60 electrocardiograms (ECG) reports, 39 (65%) were normal, and 21 (35%) reported minor abnormalities or normal variants. Even though many hEDS patients in our cohort experienced cardiac symptoms, the presence of a significant cardiac abnormality was very low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jariselle M Pietri-Toro
- Department of Pediatrics, Holtz Children's Hospital/Jackson Health System, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Olivia K Gardner
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Jessica D Leuchter
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | | | - Juanita A Hunter
- Department of Pediatrics, Holtz Children's Hospital/Jackson Health System, Miami, Florida, USA.,Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Irman Forghani
- Miller School of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
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2
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Thwaites PA, Gibson PR, Burgell RE. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract: What the gastroenterologist needs to know. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 37:1693-1709. [PMID: 35750466 PMCID: PMC9544979 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and the hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders of gut-brain interaction are common in this cohort and multifactorial in origin. The primary aim of this review is to arm the gastroenterologist with a clinically useful understanding of HSD/hEDS, by exploring the association of gastrointestinal disorders with HSD/hEDS, highlighting current pathophysiological understanding and providing a pragmatic approach to managing these patients. METHODS Literature relevant to the gastrointestinal system and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome was systematically searched, critically appraised, and summarized. RESULTS Diagnosis is based upon clinical criteria and a genetic basis is yet to be defined. The prevalence of many gut symptoms, including abdominal pain (69% vs 27%, P < 0.0001), postprandial fullness (34% vs 16%, P = 0.01), constipation (73% vs 16%, P < 0.001), and diarrhea (47% vs 9%, P < 0.001) are significantly higher in HSD/hEDS compared with non-HSD/hEDS individuals. Disorders of gut-brain interaction are also common, particularly functional dyspepsia. The pathophysiology of gut symptoms is poorly understood but may involve effects of connective tissue laxity and its functional consequences, and the influence of autonomic dysfunction, medication and comorbid mental health disorders. Awareness is the key to early diagnosis. Management is limited in evidence-base but ideally should include an integrated multidisciplinary approach. CONCLUSIONS HSD/hEDS is a multisystemic disorder in which gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly related to disorders of gut-brain interaction are common. Deficiencies in knowledge regarding the pathophysiological processes limit evidence-based interventions and remain important areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe A Thwaites
- Department of Gastroenterology, Central Clinical SchoolMonash University and Alfred HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Peter R Gibson
- Department of Gastroenterology, Central Clinical SchoolMonash University and Alfred HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Rebecca E Burgell
- Department of Gastroenterology, Central Clinical SchoolMonash University and Alfred HealthMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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3
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Ormiston CK, Padilla E, Van DT, Boone C, You S, Roberts AC, Hsiao A, Taub PR. May-Thurner syndrome in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a case series. Eur Heart J Case Rep 2022; 6:ytac161. [PMID: 35620060 PMCID: PMC9131024 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytac161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
(EDS), and May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) are three syndromes that are often
misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. The true prevalence of these syndromes may
be higher than currently reported. The following case series is the first to
report a three-way association between POTS, EDS, and MTS. Case summary We describe three patients with concomitant POTS, EDS, and MTS. Although
abdominopelvic vasculature evaluation can be difficult via conventional
imaging techniques, we present the use of novel dynamic contrast-enhanced
magnetic resonance angiography with Differential Subsampling with Cartesian
Ordering (DISCO) and four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging to aid
vasculature evaluation and the diagnosis of MTS. Two patients underwent left
common iliac vein stenting to treat MTS, experiencing significant
improvement in their POTS symptoms and quality of life. Discussion Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS, and MTS may interact synergistically to
exacerbate symptoms. Patients with EDS should be evaluated for possible POTS
and pelvic venous complications. Left common iliac vein stenting for MTS can
mitigate POTS symptoms by decreasing lower extremity venous pooling and
should be considered in this patient population. Further research is needed
to understand the exact mechanism and intricacies of this syndrome
triad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron K Ormiston
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, 9300 Campus Point Drive Mail Code #7414, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Erika Padilla
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, 9300 Campus Point Drive Mail Code #7414, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - David T Van
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, 9300 Campus Point Drive Mail Code #7414, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Christine Boone
- Department of Radiology, University of California, 200 W Arbor Dr, MC 0834, San Diego, CA 92103-0834, USA
| | - Sophie You
- University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Anne C Roberts
- Department of Radiology, University of California, 200 W Arbor Dr, MC 0834, San Diego, CA 92103-0834, USA
| | - Albert Hsiao
- Department of Radiology, University of California, 200 W Arbor Dr, MC 0834, San Diego, CA 92103-0834, USA
| | - Pam R Taub
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, 9300 Campus Point Drive Mail Code #7414, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
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Zhou W, Zikos TA, Clarke JO, Nguyen LA, Triadafilopoulos G, Neshatian L. Regional Gastrointestinal Transit and Contractility Patterns Vary in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Dig Dis Sci 2021; 66:4406-4413. [PMID: 33428036 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06808-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is an autonomic disorder that affects multiple organs, including the gastrointestinal system. These patients often have multiple GI complaints with a severe impact on their quality of life. GI dysmotility patterns in POTS remains poorly understood and difficult to manage. AIMS The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic yield of wireless motility capsule in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and POTS, with use of a symptomatic control group without POTS as a reference. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who had both autonomic testing and wireless motility capsule between 2016 and 2020. The two groups were divided into those with POTS and those without POTS (controls) as diagnosed through autonomic testing. We compared the regional transit times and motility patterns between the two groups using the data collected from wireless motility capsule. RESULTS A total of 25% of POTS patients had delayed small bowel transit compared to 0% of non-POTS patients (p = 0.047). POTS patients exhibited hypo-contractility patterns within the small bowel, including decreased contractions/min (2.95 vs. 4.22, p = 0.011) and decreased motility index (101.36 vs. 182.11, p = 0.021). In multivariable linear regression analysis, migraine predicted faster small bowel transit (p = 0.007) and presence of POTS predicted slower small bowel transit (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS Motility abnormalities among POTS patients seem to affect mostly the small bowel and exhibit a general hypo-contractility pattern. Wireless motility capsule can be a helpful tool in patients with POTS and GI symptoms as it can potentially help guide treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, USA
| | - Thomas A Zikos
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 430 Broadway St, Pav C 3rd Floor, GI Suite, Redwood City, CA, 94063, USA
| | - John O Clarke
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 430 Broadway St, Pav C 3rd Floor, GI Suite, Redwood City, CA, 94063, USA
| | - Linda A Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 430 Broadway St, Pav C 3rd Floor, GI Suite, Redwood City, CA, 94063, USA
| | - George Triadafilopoulos
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 430 Broadway St, Pav C 3rd Floor, GI Suite, Redwood City, CA, 94063, USA
| | - Leila Neshatian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 430 Broadway St, Pav C 3rd Floor, GI Suite, Redwood City, CA, 94063, USA.
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5
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Starling CT, Nguyen QBD, Butler IJ, Numan MT, Hebert AA. Cutaneous manifestations of orthostatic intolerance syndromes. Int J Womens Dermatol 2021; 7:471-477. [PMID: 34621961 PMCID: PMC8484984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysautonomia refers to a group of autonomic nervous system disorders that affect nearly 70 million people worldwide. One subset of dysautonomia includes syndromes of orthostatic intolerance (OI), which primarily affect adolescents and women of childbearing age. Due to the variability in disease presentation, the average time from symptom onset to diagnosis of dysautonomia is 6 years. In general, there is a paucity of dermatological research articles describing patients with dysautonomia. The objective of this review is to summarize the existing literature on cutaneous manifestations in dysautonomia, with an emphasis on syndromes of OI. A PubMed database of the English-language literature (1970–2020) was searched using the terms “dysautonomia”, “orthostatic intolerance”, “cutaneous”, “skin”, “hyperhidrosis”, “hypohidrosis”, “sweat”, and other synonyms. Results showed that cutaneous manifestations of orthostatic intolerance are common and varied, with one paper citing up to 85% of patients with OI having at least one cutaneous symptom. Recognition of dermatological complaints may lead to an earlier diagnosis of orthostatic intolerance, as well as other comorbid conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Quoc-Bao D Nguyen
- Department of Dermatology, UTHealth McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Ian J Butler
- Department of Pediatrics, UTHealth McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Mohammed T Numan
- Department of Pediatrics, UTHealth McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Adelaide A Hebert
- Department of Dermatology, UTHealth McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas.,Department of Pediatrics, UTHealth McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas
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6
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Scicluna K, Formosa MM, Farrugia R, Borg I. Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A review and a critical appraisal of published genetic research to date. Clin Genet 2021; 101:20-31. [PMID: 34219226 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a collection of rare hereditary connective tissue disorders with heterogeneous phenotypes, usually diagnosed following clinical examination and confirmatory genetic testing. Diagnosis of the commonest subtype, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), relies solely on a clinical diagnosis since its molecular aetiology remains unknown. We performed an up-to-date literature search and selected 11 out of 304 publications according to a set of established criteria. Studies reporting variants affecting collagen proteins were found to be hindered by cohort misclassification and subsequent lack of reproducibility of these genetic findings. The role of the described variants affecting Tenascin-X and LZTS1 is yet to be demonstrated in the majority of hEDS cases, while the functional implication of associated signaling pathways and genes requires further elucidation. The available literature on the genetics of hEDS is scant, dispersed and conflicting due to out-dated nosology terminology. Recent literature has suggested the role of several promising candidate mechanisms which may be linked to the underlying molecular aetiology. Knowledge of the molecular genetic basis of hEDS is expected to increase in the near future through the mainstream use of high-throughput sequencing combined with the updated classification of EDS, and the upcoming Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Genetic Evaluation (HEDGE) study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty Scicluna
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Melissa M Formosa
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Rosienne Farrugia
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Isabella Borg
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.,Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
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7
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Moak JP, Ramwell C, Fabian R, Hanumanthaiah S, Darbari A, Kane TD. Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome with Orthostatic Intolerance: Intermediate-Term Outcomes following Surgical Intervention. J Pediatr 2021; 231:141-147. [PMID: 33338494 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To report the intermediate-term outcome following surgical intervention for median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) in adolescents and young adults with orthostatic intolerance (OI) to assess clinical improvement in the gastrointestinal and 5 other functional domains and if relief of arterial obstruction is associated with resolution of clinical symptoms. STUDY DESIGN Thirty-one patients were given 2 dysautonomia-designed questionnaires to assess changes in symptoms following operative intervention in 6 functional domains and underwent postoperative repeat abdominal ultrasound examinations. RESULTS Average follow-up after surgery was 22.4 ± 14.8 months. Self-assessed quality of health on a Likert scale (1-10 with 10 being normal) improved from 4.5 ± 2.1 preoperatively to 5.3 ± 2.4 postoperatively (P = not significant). Gastrointestinal symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting improved in 63% (P = .007), 53% (P = .040), and 62% (P = .014) of patients, respectively. Cardiovascular symptoms of dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and palpitations improved in 45% (P = not significant), 50% (P = not significant), 54% (P = .043), and 54% (P = .037) of patients, respectively. Transabdominal ultrasound peak supine expiratory velocity decreased from 348 ± 105 cm/s preoperatively to 251 ± 109 cm/s at 6 months or more after a ligament release procedure. Decrease of the postoperative celiac artery Doppler velocity was not associated with an improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms (P = .075). CONCLUSIONS Adolescent and young adult patients with median arcuate ligament syndrome and OI have a good response to surgical intervention. About two-thirds of patients report significant improvement in symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Despite these encouraging data, many patients with MALS and OI continue to have an impaired quality of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey P Moak
- Division of Cardiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Carolyn Ramwell
- Division of Cardiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Robin Fabian
- Division of Cardiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | | | - Anil Darbari
- Division of Gastroenterology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Timothy D Kane
- Department of Surgery, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
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8
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Tu Y, Abell TL, Raj SR, Mar PL. Mechanisms and management of gastrointestinal symptoms in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2020; 32:e14031. [PMID: 33140561 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a disorder of orthostatic intolerance associated with many GI manifestations that can be broadly classified into two different categories: those present all the time (non-positional) and those that occur with orthostatic position change. There are also many conditions that can co-exist with POTS such as mast cell activation syndrome and the hypermobile form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) that are also oftentimes associated with GI symptoms. In the current issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Tai et al. explored the relationship between functional GI disorders among hEDS patients with and without concomitant POTS and showed that the hEDS-POTS cohort was more likely to have more than one GI organ involved compared to the cohort with hEDS alone, and certain GI symptoms were also more common in the hEDS-POTS cohort. In this review article, we will briefly review the literature surrounding putative mechanisms responsible for GI symptoms in POTS with an emphasis on the contributory role of concomitant hEDS and then discuss management strategies for GI symptoms in POTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixi Tu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thomas L Abell
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Satish R Raj
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Philip L Mar
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
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9
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Kucharik AH, Chang C. The Relationship Between Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2020; 58:273-297. [PMID: 31267471 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-019-08755-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, an association between hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) has garnered attention and patients are increasingly presenting with this triad. However, a real relationship between these entities is unclear due to a lack of scientific validity. We conducted an extensive review of the literature using two different search strategies. A narrower strategy included 88 searches of various combinations of terms for each of the three conditions, yielding 19 unique papers. A broader search included 136 searches of various combinations of terms but included all forms of EDS and yielded 40 unique papers. Of these, only four and nine papers from the narrower and broader search strategies were original research articles. None of these papers resulted from a combination of the search terms for the three conditions. All three clinical entities are controversial in either existence or pathogenesis. MCAS is a poorly defined clinical entity, and many studies do not adhere to the proposed criteria when establishing the diagnosis. Patients previously diagnosed with EDS hypermobility type may not meet the new, stricter criteria for hEDS but may for a less severe hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD). The pathophysiology of POTS is still unclear. An evidence-based, common pathophysiologic mechanism between any of the two, much less all three conditions, has yet to be described. Our review of the literature shows that current evidence is lacking on the existence of MCAS or hEDS as separate or significant clinical entities. Studies proposing a relationship between the three clinical entities are either biased or based on outdated criteria. The reason behind the purported association of these entities stems from an overlapping pool of vague, subjective symptoms, which is inadequate evidence to conclude that any such relationship exists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher Chang
- Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
- Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, 1131 North 35th Avenue, Suite 220, Hollywood, FL, 33021, USA.
- University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
- Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
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10
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Abstract
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a clinically heterogeneous disorder with multiple contributing pathophysiologic mechanisms manifesting as symptoms of orthostatic intolerance in the setting of orthostatic tachycardia (increase in heart rate by at least 30 beats per minute upon assuming an upright position) without orthostatic hypotension. The three major pathophysiologic mechanisms include partial autonomic neuropathy, hypovolemia, and hyperadrenergic state. Patients often will exhibit overlapping characteristics from more than one of these mechanisms. The approach to the treatment of POTS centers on treating the underlying pathophysiologic mechanism. Stockings, abdominal binders, and vasoconstrictors are used to enhance venous return in partial neuropathic POTS. Exercise and volume expansion are the main treatment strategies for hypo-volemic POTS. For hyperadrenergic POTS, beta-blockers and avoidance of norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors is important. Attempts should be made to discern which pathophysiologic mechanism(s) may be afflicting patients so that treatment regimens can be individualized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip L. Mar
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Satish R. Raj
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
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11
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Evaluation of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Auton Neurosci 2018; 215:12-19. [PMID: 29705015 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The diagnostic evaluation of a patient with suspected postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) requires a thoughtful diagnostic approach utilizing a careful clinical history and examination, laboratory, and autonomic testing. This article outlines the importance of a thorough history in identifying mechanism of symptom onset, clinical features, associated clinical conditions or disorders, and factors that may result in symptom exacerbation. The clinical examination involves an assessment of pupillary responses, an evaluation for sudomotor and vasomotor signs, and an assessment for joint hypermobility. Laboratory testing helps to exclude mimics of autonomic dysfunction, recognize conditions that may exacerbate symptoms, and to identify conditions that may cause or be associated with autonomic nervous system disease. The purpose of autonomic testing is to confirm a POTS diagnosis, exclude other causes of orthostatic intolerance, and may provide for characterization of POTS into neuropathic and hyperadrenergic subtypes. Other diagnostic studies, such as epidermal skin punch biopsy, exercise testing, radiographic studies, sleep studies, gastrointestinal motility studies, and urodynamic studies should be considered when clinically appropriate.
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