Frequently Related Conditions

There are many different heritable connective tissue disorders that affect various organs in our bodies such as the heart, blood vessels, skin, joints, bones, eyes, and lungs. Scientists have found that these disorders are caused by mutations in genes that code for structural proteins, enzymes, or components of the TGFβ-signaling pathway. Three common examples of these disorders are Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

 

These disorders have some overlapping symptoms such as cardiovascular, skeletal, and cutaneous features. For instance, Marfan syndrome is caused by mutations in the gene FBN1, which results in cardiovascular, ocular, and skeletal issues. On the other hand, Loeys-Dietz syndrome is caused by mutations in genes such as TGBR1/2, SMAD2/3, or TGFB2/3 that are involved in the TGFβ-signaling pathway. Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes are a group of connective tissue disorders that show abnormal skin, ligaments, joints, blood vessels, and internal organs. It is important to understand the genetic basis of these disorders because the symptoms can overlap, making it difficult to diagnose correctly without genetic testing.

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Since multiple organs and systems are affected by these conditions there are many related or comorbid conditions often diagnosed in those living with these connective tissue disorders.

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Here are some conditions commonly associated with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes:

• Joint hypermobility

• Skin hyperextensibility and fragility

• Easy bruising and scarring

• Chronic joint pain and dislocations

• Gastrointestinal problems such as reflux, constipation, and abdominal pain

• Dysautonomia (problems with the autonomic nervous system, Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

• Mitral valve prolapse

• Aortic root dilation or aneurysm

• Kyphoscoliosis (curvature of the spine)

• Hearing loss

• Periodontal disease

• Uterine or arterial rupture in some rare subtypes

• Chiari malformation

• Mast cell activation syndrome

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

 

It is important to note that not all individuals with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome will have all of these conditions, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely between individuals and subtypes.

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Here are some conditions associated with Marfan syndrome:

1. Cardiovascular conditions: Aortic aneurysm and dissection, mitral valve prolapse, aortic regurgitation, aortic root dilatation, aortic dissection, and other heart valve problems.

2. Skeletal conditions: Scoliosis (curvature of the spine), pectus excavatum (sunken chest), pectus carinatum (protruding chest), joint laxity and hypermobility, arachnodactyly (long, slender fingers), flat feet.

3. Ocular conditions: Lens dislocation, nearsightedness, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and cataracts.

4. Pulmonary conditions: Spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and obstructive sleep apnea.

5. Skin conditions: Stretch marks (striae), translucent skin, and easy bruising.

 

It's important to note that not everyone with Marfan syndrome will have all of these conditions, and some individuals may have additional conditions not listed here. Additionally, the severity and presentation of these conditions can vary widely between individuals with Marfan syndrome.

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Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue and can affect multiple systems in the body. Some of the conditions associated with Loeys-Dietz syndrome include:

1. Aneurysms and dissections of arteries, including the aorta, which can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated.

2. Craniofacial abnormalities, such as wide-spaced eyes, cleft palate, and a high-arched palate.

3. Skeletal abnormalities, such as scoliosis, joint hypermobility, and long, slender limbs.

4. Eye problems, such as myopia (nearsightedness), cataracts, and glaucoma.

5. Skin and vascular abnormalities, such as easy bruising, thin skin, and translucent skin.

6. Gastrointestinal problems, such as hernias and gastrointestinal bleeding.

7. Respiratory problems, such as asthma and sleep apnea.

8. Neurological problems, such as developmental delays, seizures, and hydrocephalus.

 

It's important to note that not all individuals with Loeys-Dietz syndrome will experience all of these conditions and the severity of symptoms can vary greatly between individuals.