Vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome with cryptorchidism, recurrent pneumothorax, and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis-like foci

Abstract

Rationale:Vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited collagen disorder caused by defects or deficiency of pro-alpha 1 chain of type III procollagen encoded by COL3A1. vEDS is characterized not only by soft tissue manifestations including hyperextensibility of skin and joint hypermobility but also by early mortality due to rupture of arteries or vital organs. Although pulmonary complications are not common, vEDS cases complicated by pneumothorax, hemothorax, or intrapulmonary hematoma have been reported. When a patient initially presents only with pulmonary complications, it is not easy for clinicians to suspect vEDS.Patient concerns:We report a case of an 18-year-old high school student, with a past history of cryptorchidism, presenting with recurrent pneumothorax.Diagnoses:Routine laboratory findings were unremarkable. Chest high resolution computed tomographic scan showed age-unmatched hyperinflation of both lungs, atypical cystic changes and multifocal ground glass opacities scattered in both lower lobes. His slender body shape, hyperflexible joints, and hyperextensible skin provided clue to suspicion of a possible connective tissue disorder.Interventions:The histological examination of the lung lesions showed excessive capillary proliferation in the pulmonary interstitium and pleura allowing the diagnosis of pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH)-like foci. Genetic study revealed COL3A1 gene splicing site mutation confirming his diagnosis as vEDS.Outcomes:Although his diagnosis vEDS is notorious for fatal vascular complication, there was no evidence of such complication at presentation. Fortunately, he has been followed up for 10 months without pulmonary or vascular complications.Lessons:To the best of our knowledge, both cryptorchidism and PCH-like foci have never been reported yet as complications of vEDS, suggesting our case might be a new variant of this condition. This case emphasizes the importance of comprehensive physical examination and history-taking, and the clinical suspicion of a possible connective tissue disorder when we encounter cases with atypical presentation and/or unique chest radiologic findings especially in young patients.

Urogenital and pelvic complications in the Ehlers‐Danlos syndromes and associated hypermobility spectrum disorders: A scoping review

“…Table summarizes the design and publication date characteristics of the 105 included studies . Studies consisted of case reports/series (N = 62, 60%) and observational studies (N = 43, 40%), including cross sectional (N = 29), case‐controlled (N = 12), and cohort (N = 2) designs.…”

A review of respiratory manifestations and their management in Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders

“…12,21 For pneumothorax management, intrapleural drain, needle aspiration, chemical pleurodesis, total pleural covering techniques, and bullectomy have been utilized in EDS. 13,[21][22][23] Management is often dictated by patient presentation and risk of recurrence. Bullectomy is traditionally performed in patients with large bulla which occupy more than half of the thoracic cavity and have preserved adjacent lung parenchyma.…”

“…53,54 In those with recurrent pneumothoraces with bullae, in addition to bullectomy, pleural rubbing and chemical pleurodesis have been utilized with good effect if performed electively, with no further recurrence of pneumothoraces. 13,[21][22][23] In emergency settings, bullectomy should be reserved for those presenting with massive pneumothorax or non-resolving hemoptysis, as the risk of post-operative hemorrhagic complications in vEDS patients is substantially high. 53 Tranexamic acid has been used in vEDS patients presenting with recurrent hemoptysis.…”

Pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis: a distinct entity?

“…Haemoptysis also occurs in PAH patients, particularly in BMPR2 carriers, which is due to the degree of bronchial vessel remodelling [76]. Spontaneous pneumothorax has been reported in patients without clinically evident pulmonary hypertension but with PCH-like foci on lung histology [80][81][82]. A history of occupational exposures to solvents like trichlorethylene or to agents is much more frequent in patients with PCH/PVOD than PAH [35,36].…”