Vascular EDS and hypermobile EDS compared

Periodontal EDS

Hypermobile EDS and hypermobility spectrum disorders

Joint hypermobility with its possible musculoskeletal complications is expressed along a spectrum. At one end is hypermobility which causes no symptoms, at the other is hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and in between are the hypermobility spectrum disorders. These are likely to be common conditions.

Classical EDS

Classical EDS (cEDS) is characterised by joint hypermobility, very stretchy skin, and fragile skin which leads to significant bruising and widened, sunken (atrophic) scars. There have been major advances in the understanding of cEDS in the last 20 years, now making it possible to confirm the diagnosis by genetic testing in the majority of people wth the condition.

Vascular EDS

Vascular Ehlers Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is a rare disorder, estimated to affect between 1 in 50,000 and 1 in 200,000 people. It is caused by a gene mutation affecting a major protein, which causes weakness in vessel walls and hollow organs. The condition is characterized by aneurysms (a bulge in an artery), rupture of the bowel, and rupture of the womb during pregnancy. Managing and monitoring the condition improves outlook and requires specialists from different disciplines.

All types

In March 2017 some significant changes were made to the way the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are classified and diagnosed. Thirteen types of EDS are now recognised, most of which are very rare. The gene mutations causing the conditions have been identified, and can be tested for, in all types except for the most common type, hypermobile EDS.