Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and multiple sclerosis: a possible association

Mult Scler. 2008 May;14(4):567-70. doi: 10.1177/1352458507083187. Epub 2008 Jan 21.

Abstract

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) has various neurological manifestations. Here we present an association of EDS with multiple sclerosis (MS). Four MS patients from a total of 1892 followed up at our MS outpatient clinics had EDS. This frequency suggests 10-11 times increased prevalence of EDS in MS patients compared with the general population (P = 0.02). Suggested implications include a possible causal relationship on a connective tissue level with a higher susceptibility to MS in EDS. Diagnostic and management considerations are important in coexisting MS and EDS. Our patients had relatively florid lesions on brain MRIs and typical course and features of MS.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / diagnosis
  • Joint Instability / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors