[Arterial tortuosity syndrome]

The arterial tortuosity syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by elongation and generalized tortuosity of the major arteries including the aorta. Associated clinical features consist of excessively stretchable skin and joint laxity which is indicative of a connective tissue disorder such as Ehlers-Danlos or Cutis laxa syndrome. The gene locus of the arterial tortuosity syndrome has recently been localised on chromosome 20q13; inheritance ist autosomal recessive. - We report on a newborn with arterial tortuosity syndrome and hiatal hernia, bilateral hip dislocation, inguinal hernias and diffuse tortuosity of the great arteries including the aorta. Known gene loci involved in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, cutis laxa syndrome and other connective tissue disorders were excluded by specific DNA markers. By homozygosity mapping with polymorphic microsatellite markers it was possible to confirm the gene locus for the ATS on chromosome 20q13. In addition to the presentation of this patient, a review of the literature is presented.