Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders caused by mutations affecting the structure or processing of collagen, producing joint hypermobility, unusually stretchy and fragile skin, and easy bruising. At least thirteen subtypes are now recognized, ranging from the common hypermobile and classical forms to the rarer and more dangerous vascular type, which carries a risk of spontaneous rupture of arteries or internal organs. The condition is named for Danish dermatologist Edvard Ehlers, who described a case of unusual joint and skin laxity in 1901, and French dermatologist Henri-Alexandre Danlos, who linked the skin fragility to a connective tissue defect in 1908.