Massive spontaneous diaphragmatic rupture in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Respiratory manifestations in the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes

Persons with the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) report a wide range of respiratory symptoms, most commonly shortness of breath, exercise limitation, and cough. Also reported are noisy breathing attributed to asthma, difficulty with deep inhalation, and inspiratory thoracic pain. The literature consists of case reports and small cross-sectional and cohort studies. One case-control study estimated twofold to threefold greater respiratory disease burden among persons with EDS as compared to controls. The differential diagnosis for symptoms is broad. Structural alterations include pectus deformities, scoliosis, recurrent rib subluxations, and tracheobronchomalacia, associated with varying degrees of physiologic impairment. Those with vascular EDS have an increased risk of pneumothorax, intrapulmonary bleeding, cysts, and nonmalignant fibrous nodules. Functional aerodigestive manifestations such as inducible laryngeal obstruction may be misdiagnosed as asthma, with gastro-esophageal dysmotility and reflux as common contributing factors. Inflammatory manifestations include costochondritis, bronchiectasis, and localized respiratory allergic and nonallergic mast cell activation. Cranio-cervical instability can dysregulate respiratory control pathways. There is a need for careful phenotyping using standardized clinical tools and patient-reported outcomes and continuing collaboration with aerodigestive specialists including otolaryngologists and gastroenterologists. Also needed is further evaluation of respiratory symptoms in persons with hypermobility spectrum disorders. Personalized monitoring strategies are invaluable for interpretation and long-term management of respiratory symptoms.

A case-control study of respiratory medication and co-occurring gastrointestinal prescription burden among persons with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes

We previously reported increased pain and gastrointestinal (GI) medication prescription claims among persons with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and peripubertal increase in opioid and anti-emetic claims among women with EDS. Herein, we hypothesized a higher proportion of respiratory and co-occurring respiratory and GI medication prescription claims among persons with EDS compared to their matched controls with increases among peripubertal women with EDS. We compared the proportions of respiratory and co-occurring respiratory and GI medication prescription claims among persons with EDS (aged 5-62) against their age-, sex-, state of residence-, and earliest claim date-matched controls using 10 years of private prescription claims data. Prescription claims among persons with EDS versus matched controls were increased for eight medication classes (p < .0001): intranasal/inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) (30.8% vs. 19.0%), oral steroids (30.0% vs. 16.5%), H1-antihistamines (26.2% vs. 12.2%), short-acting beta agonists (22.7% vs. 11.6%), decongestants (21.6% vs. 15.9%), leukotriene modifiers (8.9% vs. 3.6%), ICS/long-acting beta agonists (5.7% vs. 2.9%), muscarinic antagonists (2.5% vs. 0.9%), and co-occurring prescriptions (29% vs. 10%). Our results suggest a critical time window for peripubertal intervention and research and a need to focus on the pathogenesis and clinical evaluation of EDS-specific respiratory and aerodigestive disorders.

Nontraumatic liver herniation mimicking a right lower lobe lung mass

Nontraumatic liver herniation through diaphragm is a rare condition. We present a case of a 54-year-old female presenting with nontraumatic liver herniation mimicking a right lower lobe mass. Patient was noted to have growth of two right lower lobe lung nodules from 1.5 cm × 2.8 cm and 0.9 cm × 1.3 in August 2009 to 2.8 cm × 4.1 cm and 1.1 cm × 1.4 cm in March 2019 on computerized tomography (CT) scan. PET scan as well as the growth pattern was consistent with low-grade malignancy likely carcinoid tumor. CT-guided biopsy was not feasible because of location of the mass. We performed robotic thoracoscopy with plan for wedge resection, however gross inspection of the thoracic cavity revealed two masses on the dome of the diaphragm with appearance like liver and correlating with nodules seen on CT scan. A core needle biopsy showed that it was benign liver tissue.

A review of respiratory manifestations and their management in Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders

BACKGROUND

Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) are a heterogeneous group of heritable genetic connective tissue disorders with multiple characteristics including joint hypermobility, tissue fragility, and multiple organ dysfunction. Respiratory manifestations have been described in EDS patients, but have not been systematically characterized. A narrative review was undertaken to describe the respiratory presentations and management strategies of individuals with EDS and HSD.

METHODS

A broad literature search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane CENTRAL was undertaken from inception to November 2020 of all study types, evaluating EDS/ HSD and pulmonary conditions. This narrative review was limited to adult patients and publications in English.

RESULTS

Respiratory manifestations have generally been described in hypermobile EDS (hEDS), classical and vascular EDS subtypes. Depending on EDS subtype, they may include but are not limited to dyspnea, dysphonia, asthma, sleep apnea, and reduced respiratory muscle function, with hemothorax and pneumothorax often observed with vascular EDS. Respiratory manifestations in HSD have been less frequently characterized in the literature, but exertional dyspnea is the more common symptom described. Respiratory symptoms in EDS can have an adverse impact on quality of life. The respiratory management of EDS patients has followed standard approaches with thoracotomy tubes and pleurodesis for pleural manifestations, vocal cord strengthening exercises, continuous positive pressure support for sleep apnea, and exercise training. Reduced respiratory muscle function in hEDS patients responds to inspiratory muscle training.

CONCLUSION

Respiratory symptoms and manifestations are described in EDS and HSD, and have generally been managed using conservative non-surgical strategies. Research into the prevalence, incidence and specific respiratory management strategies in EDS and HSD is needed to mitigate some of the associated morbidity.

Spontaneous Diaphragmatic Rupture in Hypermobile Type Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome refers to a spectrum of connective tissue disorders that have a variety of clinical manifestations. In this case, we present a spontaneous diaphragmatic rupture in a patient with type III Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. The patient presented with worsening shortness of breath after failure of medical therapy for a presumed pneumonia. A CT scan was obtained which showed diaphragmatic rupture with splenic herniation which was repaired in the operating room via thoracotomy. It is important to include diaphragmatic rupture in the differential diagnosis for patients with connective tissue disease and acute onset tachypnea and pain, as this complication has the potential for significant morbidity without prompt surgical intervention.

Laparoscopic repair of combined right diaphragm and liver injuries with a sharp object: a case report

Introduction. Diaphragm injuries develop following penetrating or blunt traumas. The purpose of the case report is to present a 28 year old male patient with stable hemodynamic findings treated with laparoscopic approach following a liver injury combined with a right diaphragm injury caused by a sharp penetrating object. Case. 4 cm long transverse laceration was observed near the middle axillary line in the 6th right intercostal space in the examination performed on a 28 year old male patient who applied to the emergency service due to sharp penetrating object injury. Respiratory sounds were decreased in the right side and the examination revealed sensitivity in the abdomen. Elevation in the right diaphragm and hemopneumothorax was monitored in chest X-ray and computerized tomography. Closed subaqueous thorax drain was placed and the patient was taken to the surgery with a right diaphragm injury prediagnosis. Laparoscopic exploration was performed to the patient with stable hemodynamic findings by entering through 10 mm port above the abdomen. 6 cm long injury at the right side of diaphragm and approximately 2 cm deep at the deepest point and 5 cm long linear laceration was observed in the 7th segment of the liver. The diaphragm was repaired laparoscopically with sutures that do not melt on their own. Tampon was applied to the laceration in the liver and bleeding control was performed with suture. Patient was discharged on the 3rd day because he had no problems during postoperative follow-ups. Result. No noticed right side diaphragm rupture and possible concomitant visceral organ injuries following a penetrant injury that can cause significant mortality and morbidity should be definitely kept in mind. The detection of right side diaphragm and liver injury is vital with high mortality in case of delayed diagnosis, and direct radiography and computerized tomography are helpful in the diagnosis. Surgical treatment with laparoscopic approach is a method that leads to less hospitalization duration and less pain in cases that are hemodynamically stable.

Massive spontaneous diaphragmatic rupture induced by a squatting position

While a diaphragmatic rupture commonly results from trauma to the abdomen and chest, a spontaneous diaphragmatic rupture is very rare. A 68-year-old male presented with chest pain that had originated while doing farm work in a squatting position. Images revealed a 5 cm defect of the left diaphragmatic dome, and the entire stomach was displaced into the thorax. The diaphragmatic defect was round and half had a well-demarcated margin. The remaining fragile tissue was completely excised and was closed primarily. The patient was uneventfully discharged and resumed with a normal diet 10 days after the operation.

Elastin and collagen fibre microstructure of the human aorta in ageing and disease: a review

Aortic disease is a significant cause of death in developed countries. The most common forms of aortic disease are aneurysm, dissection, atherosclerotic occlusion and ageing-induced stiffening. The microstructure of the aortic tissue has been studied with great interest, because alteration of the quantity and/or architecture of the connective fibres (elastin and collagen) within the aortic wall, which directly imparts elasticity and strength, can lead to the mechanical and functional changes associated with these conditions. This review article summarizes the state of the art with respect to characterization of connective fibre microstructure in the wall of the human aorta in ageing and disease, with emphasis on the ascending thoracic aorta and abdominal aorta where the most common forms of aortic disease tend to occur.