Lung hypoplasia and patellar agenesis in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Singapore Med J. 2009 Dec;50(12):e415-8.

Abstract

A 22-year-old male patient was admitted with severe cough associated with purulent expectoration, left-sided chest pain and breathlessness. There was a history of recurrent respiratory ailments since childhood. The patient appeared younger than his chronological age. His face and ears were both dysmorphic. Clinically, the patient was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Computed tomography of the thoracic region revealed hypoplasia of the left lung and hyperplasia of the right lung. Both the patellae were absent. However, ultrasonography of his abdomen, echocardiography and other routine blood and urine examination showed no gross abnormalities. Although other respiratory tract abnormalities with EDS are not uncommon, unilateral lung hypoplasia and patellar agenesis in EDS make this case unique.

MeSH terms

  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Lung / abnormalities*
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung / pathology*
  • Male
  • Patella / abnormalities*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Young Adult