Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Overview

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited disorders that affect the connective tissues (proteins that support the skin, bones, blood vessels and internal organs), resulting in abnormally thin, stretchy skin and loose joints. EDS affects males and females — children and adults — of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Mayo Clinic is an innovative leader in the evaluation and treatment of patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. In Mayo's integrated team system, specialists from Vascular Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, Neurology, Pediatrics and Medical Genetics work together to diagnose and provide the most appropriate treatment for patients with EDS.

Vascular centers at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota specialize in providing state-of-the-art diagnosis and comprehensive treatment for patients with EDS. Highly trained and experienced specialists in vascular medicine care for thousands of patients at Mayo Clinic sites each year. Mayo physicians also participate regularly in clinical trials that evaluate new approaches to treat diseases that affect the cardiovascular system.

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic's experienced specialists collect a comprehensive personal and family medical history and conduct a careful physical examination for patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Six general types of EDS are classified by their signs and symptoms. Physicians may also order genetic tests, urine tests, skin biopsies and ultrasounds of the heart to confirm a diagnosis of EDS.

Read more about diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Treatment Options

There is no cure for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, but Mayo Clinic physicians provide effective treatment options that focus on managing symptoms and preventing further injury or damage to joints, skin and internal organs.

Read more about treatment options for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota
• Treatment of Children & Adolescents

About Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Genetic mutations result in the production of abnormal collagen in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Collagen provides strength and structure to the body's connective tissue. Abnormal collagen is weakened, which leads to the signs and symptoms associated with EDS.

These signs and symptoms range from imperceptible to disabling and vary with each type of EDS. They include:

• Extremely flexible joints
• Skin that stretches to a greater-than-normal degree
• Abnormal scar tissue formation
• Soft skin that bruises easily and heals slowly
• Thin, fragile skin tissue
• Fragile blood vessels and a tendency to form aneurysms
• Complications related to the rupture of internal organs or abnormal heart valves

Learn more about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome at www.MayoClinic.com.