Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
External Cephalic Version: Is it an Effective and Safe Procedure?
Published on: June 6, 2020
Successful pregnancy outcome in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, vascular type
Maria Palmquist1, John G Pappas, Boris Petrikovsky
1Department of OB/GYN, Johns Hopkins, 600 N Wolfe Street, Phipps Bldg, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA. mariapalmquist@yahoo.com
Background:
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by tissue fragility, translucent skin and joint hypermobility. Patients with the vascular type of EDS are prone to spontaneous arterial and visceral rupture. Pregnancy for women with vascular EDS can be life-threatening. Mortality rates are high due to the increased risk for uterine and arterial rupture in the peripartum period.
Case:
We describe the counseling, multidisciplinary management, protocol, and successful pregnancy outcome of a 32-year-old woman with vascular EDS.
Conclusion:
There is no consensus in the literature on the timing and mode of delivery for pregnant women with vascular EDS. The management undertaken in our patient may assist others in optimizing the perinatal outcome in other women who elect to continue their pregnancy despite the risks of this severe medical condition.