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Stembridge N, Doolan BJ, Lavallee ME, Hausser I, Pope FM, Seneviratne SL, Winship IM, Burrows NP. The role of cutaneous manifestations in the diagnosis of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. SKIN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2022; 3:e140. [PMID: 36751332 PMCID: PMC9892481 DOI: 10.1002/ski2.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) comprise a group of inherited connective tissue disorders presenting with features of skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility, abnormal scarring and fragility of skin, blood vessels and some organs. The disease is generally diagnosed through the cluster of clinical features, though the addition of genetic analysis is the gold standard for diagnosis of most subtypes. All subtypes display skin manifestations, which are essential to the accurate clinical diagnosis of the condition. Furthermore, cutaneous features can be the first and/or only presenting feature in some cases of EDS and thus understanding these signs is vital for diagnosis. This review focuses on particular cutaneous features of each EDS subtype and their clinical importance. Provision of a specific diagnosis is important for management, prognosis and genetic counselling, often for family members beyond the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Stembridge
- Department of DermatologyCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUK
| | - Brent J. Doolan
- St John's Institute of DermatologySchool of Basic and Medical BiosciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK,Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Mark E. Lavallee
- Department of OrthopedicsUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center of Central PAPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Ingrid Hausser
- Institute of PathologyHeidelberg University HospitalHeidelbergGermany
| | - F. Michael Pope
- Department of DermatologyChelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (West Middlesex University Hospital)LondonUK
| | - Suranjith L. Seneviratne
- Institute of Immunity and TransplantationRoyal Free Hospital and University College LondonLondonUK,Nawaloka Hospital Research and Education FoundationNawaloka HospitalsColomboSri Lanka
| | - Ingrid M. Winship
- Department of Genetic MedicineThe Royal Melbourne HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia,Department of MedicineThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Nigel P. Burrows
- Department of DermatologyCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustCambridgeUK
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Caliogna L, Guerrieri V, Annunziata S, Bina V, Brancato AM, Castelli A, Jannelli E, Ivone A, Grassi FA, Mosconi M, Pasta G. Biomarkers for Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes: There Is a Role? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810149. [PMID: 34576312 PMCID: PMC8469247 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are an inherited heterogeneous group of connective tissue disorders characterized by an abnormal collagen synthesis affecting skin, ligaments, joints, blood vessels, and other organs. It is one of the oldest known causes of bruising and bleeding, and it was described first by Hippocrates in 400 BC. In the last years, multiple gene variants involved in the pathogenesis of specific EDS subtypes have been identified; moreover, new clinical diagnostic criteria have been established. New classification models have also been studied in order to differentiate overlapping conditions. Moreover, EDS shares many characteristics with other similar disorders. Although distinguishing between these seemingly identical conditions is difficult, it is essential in ensuring proper patient care. Currently, there are many genetic and molecular studies underway to clarify the etiology of some variants of EDS. However, the genetic basis of the hypermobile type of EDS (hEDS) is still unknown. In this review, we focused on the study of two of the most common forms of EDS—classic and hypermobile—by trying to identify possible biomarkers that could be of great help to confirm patients’ diagnosis and their follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Caliogna
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Viviana Guerrieri
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Salvatore Annunziata
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Fax: +39-0382-502806
| | - Valentina Bina
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Alice Maria Brancato
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Alberto Castelli
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Eugenio Jannelli
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Alessandro Ivone
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Federico Alberto Grassi
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Mario Mosconi
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Gianluigi Pasta
- Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.C.); (V.G.); (A.M.B.); (A.C.); (E.J.); (A.I.); (F.A.G.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
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Chiu WC, Chen SH, Lo MC, Kuo YT. Classic Ehlers–Dalnos syndrome presenting as atypical chronic haematoma: a case report with novel frameshift mutation in COL5A1. BMC Pediatr 2020; 20:495. [PMID: 33109150 PMCID: PMC7590603 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-020-02386-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders characterized by skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility and soft tissue vulnerable to blunt injury. Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial to patients to provide appropriate treatment, as well as to screen for life-threatening conditions such as aortic dissection and hollow organ perforation. The diagnosis of EDS is made based on clinical presentations, skin biopsy, and electron microscopy findings. To date, mutations in at least 20 genes have been found to cause the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. However, EDS is still underestimated due to lack of awareness of its variable clinical presentations. Here we reported an EDS case with atypical initial presentation and a novel genetic mutation. Case presentation This 4-year-old Taiwanese male patient presented with easy bruising, multiple ecchymoses, joint hypermobility, hyperextensible skin, and prolonged pretibial haematoma. He was initially suspected of a bleeding tendency due to coagulation disorders. The coagulation test results were normal. DNA sequencing was performed for molecular diagnosis. Subsequently, the diagnosis of classical EDS was made by identifying a novel frameshift mutation in COL5A1 [NM_000093.4:c.4211_4212delAG, p.Gln1404Arg]. This mutation in the type V collagen gene COL5A1 contributes to the phenotype of classical EDS. This novel frameshift mutation may disturb the structural stability of collagen V and interfere with its heparin binding capacity, explaining the chronic haematoma. Conclusion The reported case showed the unusual features of chronic haematoma. This novel frameshift mutation and its phenotype correlation can provide useful information for practitioners about early recognition in Ehlers–Danlos syndrome.
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Metzger J, Kreft O, Sieme H, Martinsson G, Reineking W, Hewicker-Trautwein M, Distl O. Hanoverian F/W-line contributes to segregation of Warmblood fragile foal syndrome type 1 variant PLOD1:c.2032G>A in Warmblood horses. Equine Vet J 2020; 53:51-59. [PMID: 32323341 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Warmblood fragile foal syndrome (WFFS) is a lethal condition detected in Warmblood horses. Its origin and association with performance traits and fertility among horse populations is unknown. OBJECTIVES To validate the previously identified WFFS type 1 (WFFST1)-associated missense variant PLOD1:c.2032G>A and to investigate its distribution among various horses with particular focus on Hanoverian breed, as well as its pathomorphological picture. The study aimed at identifying the origin of the mutant allele and its correlation with performance and fertility traits in Warmblood horses. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case-control and association study. METHODS WFFST1 variant was validated using whole genome sequencing (WGS) in 78 equids. In an affected foal with a homozygous mutant genotype, necropsy was performed. Skin samples were examined using histology and transmission electron microscopy. Pathway analysis was performed to trace back 81 genetic carriers to the most common recent ancestor. Furthermore, generalised linear model analysis was employed to test estimated breeding values (EBVs) for differences in performance and fertility traits among different genotypes in Hanoverian horses. RESULTS WFFST1 variant had the lowest minor allele frequency among all variants detected in WGS data in the region of PLOD1. Further genotyping of this variant revealed allele frequencies of 0.14 in Hanoverian horses. Histological investigations of the WFFST1-affected foal showed loosely arranged collagen fibres in the dermis. Ultrastructurally, multifocal areas with degraded collagen fibrils and fibrillar plaques were detected. Further pathway analysis revealed a stallion from the Hanoverian sire F/W line as the most common recent ancestor of all tested genetic carriers. Furthermore, WFFST1 variant was found to be correlated with EBVs for gait-related traits as well as conformation and dressage. MAIN LIMITATIONS Study evaluated carriers and cases only from Europe. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of WFFST1 variant and traces it back to its potential origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Metzger
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Harald Sieme
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine of the Clinics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Wencke Reineking
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Ottmar Distl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
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Absence of Collagen Flowers on Electron Microscopy and Identification of (Likely) Pathogenic COL5A1 Variants in Two Patients. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10100762. [PMID: 31569816 PMCID: PMC6826538 DOI: 10.3390/genes10100762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Two probands are reported with pathogenic and likely pathogenic COL5A1 variants (frameshift and splice site) in whom no collagen flowers have been identified with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). One proband fulfils the clinical criteria for classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (cEDS) while the other does not and presents with a vascular complication. This case report highlights the significant intrafamilial variability within the cEDS phenotype and demonstrates that patients with pathogenic COL5A1 variants can have an absence of collagen flowers on TEM skin biopsy analysis. This has not been previously reported in the literature and is important when evaluating the significance of a TEM result in patients with clinically suspected cEDS and underscores the relevance of molecular analysis.
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Angwin C, Ghali N, Baker D, Brady AF, Pope FM, Vandersteen A, Wagner B, Ferguson DJP, van Dijk FS. Electron microscopy in the diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes: correlation with clinical and genetic investigations. Br J Dermatol 2019; 182:698-707. [PMID: 31141158 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.18165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) consist of 13 subtypes with overlapping features including joint hypermobility, skin and vascular fragility and generalized connective tissue friability. As DNA analysis has become the gold standard for investigation of EDS, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in clinical practice is decreasing. However, owing to the use of next-generation sequencing, the frequency of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) identified using DNA analysis is increasing. We hypothesized that TEM can provide evidence for or against pathogenicity of VUS. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of TEM in the diagnosis of EDS subtypes. METHODS Data were collected from patients who underwent a skin biopsy between October 2012 and March 2017 at the London EDS National Diagnostic Service. TEM biopsies were categorized as 'normal' or 'abnormal' according to the description and conclusion in the TEM reports. Definitive diagnoses were reached via a combination of clinical features, structural and functional studies and DNA investigations. RESULTS The analysis included 177 patients, comprising 30 abnormal and 147 normal TEM reports. A definitive diagnosis of monogenic EDS subtypes was made in 24 patients. Overall, 17 of these 24 patients (71%) had an abnormal biopsy report and seven (29%) had a normal biopsy report. No TEM findings were specifically associated with any EDS subtype, although collagen flowers were present in most patients with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of classical EDS. CONCLUSIONS TEM analysis of collagen structure may have the potential to provide evidence for or against the pathogenicity of a VUS, but more work is needed to establish a clear role for TEM in this process. What's already known about this topic? Collagen fibril abnormalities can be seen in several Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) subtypes. What does this study add? This study provides clinical data, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data and molecular data of one of the largest groups of patients suspected to have a monogenetic EDS subtype. No TEM findings were specifically associated with an EDS subtype. There was a higher percentage (71%) of abnormal biopsy findings in patients with a definitive diagnosis of a monogenetic EDS subtype and where a class 4/5 genetic variant was present.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Angwin
- Complex Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes National Service London, North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Harrow, Middlesex, U.K
| | - N Ghali
- Complex Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes National Service London, North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Harrow, Middlesex, U.K
| | - D Baker
- Sheffield Diagnostic Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, U.K
| | - A F Brady
- Complex Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes National Service London, North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Harrow, Middlesex, U.K
| | - F M Pope
- Department of Dermatology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, U.K
| | - A Vandersteen
- Maritime Medical Genetics Service, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - B Wagner
- Connective Tissue Disorders Service, Sheffield Diagnostic Genetics Service, Sheffield, U.K
| | - D J P Ferguson
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, U.K.,Department of Biological & Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, U.K
| | - F S van Dijk
- Complex Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes National Service London, North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Harrow, Middlesex, U.K
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Nygaard RH, Jensen JK, Voermans NC, Heinemeier KM, Schjerling P, Holm L, Agergaard J, Mackey AL, Andersen JL, Remvig L, Kjaer M. Skeletal muscle morphology, protein synthesis, and gene expression in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2017; 123:482-488. [PMID: 28596275 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01044.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) are known to have genetically impaired connective tissue and skeletal muscle symptoms in form of pain, fatigue, and cramps; however earlier studies have not been able to link these symptoms to morphological muscle changes. We obtained skeletal muscle biopsies in patients with classic EDS [cEDS; n = 5 (Denmark)+ 8 (The Netherlands)] and vascular EDS (vEDS; n = 3) and analyzed muscle fiber morphology and content (Western blotting and muscle fiber type/area distributions) and muscle mRNA expression and protein synthesis rate (RT-PCR and stable isotope technique). The cEDS patients did not differ from healthy controls (n = 7-11) with regard to muscle fiber type/area, myosin/α-actin ratio, muscle protein synthesis rate, or mRNA expression. In contrast, the vEDS patients demonstrated higher expression of matrix proteins compared with cEDS patients (fibronectin and MMP-2). The cEDS patients had surprisingly normal muscle morphology and protein synthesis, whereas vEDS patients demonstrated higher mRNA expression for extracellular matrix remodeling in skeletal musculature compared with cEDS patients.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first of its kind to systematically investigate muscle biopsies from Ehlers-Danlos patients, focusing on muscle structure and function. These patients suffer from severe muscle symptoms, but in our study they show surprisingly normal muscle findings, which points toward indirect muscle symptoms originating from the surrounding connective tissue. These findings have basal physiological importance and implications for future physiotherapeutic treatment options for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie H Nygaard
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; .,Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob K Jensen
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicol C Voermans
- Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Katja M Heinemeier
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Schjerling
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Holm
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Agergaard
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Abigail L Mackey
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper L Andersen
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Remvig
- Department of Infectious Medicine and Rheumatology, Rigshospitalet, Denmark; and
| | - Michael Kjaer
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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