Vascular findings in five unrelated children with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A multi-case report

Abstract

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is an inherited connective tissue disorder caused by heterozygous variants in COL3A1, leading to tissue and vessel fragility alongside an increased risk of potentially fatal aneurysms and dissections. Although vascular events most commonly manifest in adulthood, childhood events also occur. Knowledge on clinical manifestations in childhood and potential benefits of vascular surveillance is limited, and no evidence-based guidelines for predictive genetic testing and follow-up exist. We present five patients diagnosed with vEDS in childhood, focusing on vascular events. The patients receive follow-up at a multidisciplinary heritable thoracic aortic disease clinic at Oslo University Hospital and are registered in the associated patient registry. Two of the five patients experienced a childhood vascular event, both involving cerebral vessels. In one of these patients, the event may not be vEDS related. A mild aortic root dilatation was detected in one patient. No severe aortic events like dissection or rupture were reported in childhood, but one patient died from an aortic dissection in early adulthood despite normal findings on MRA scans in the years he received regular surveillance. Our findings highlight the variable expressivity of vEDS, including severe childhood vascular events. Further studies to evaluate the effect of surveillance are needed to form an evidence base for surveillance guidelines in pediatric patients. Established benefits of surveillance and management are essential for deciding on whether and when to perform predictive genetic testing of a child at risk.

Keywords: COL3A1; Children; Genetic testing; Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; Vascular events; Vascular surveillance.