Hereditary connective tissue diseases in young adult stroke: a comprehensive synthesis

Olivier M Vanakker1, Dimitri Hemelsoet, Anne De Paepe

  • 1Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.

Insights

Monogenic connective tissue diseases, including vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and collagen disorders, can cause stroke, especially in young adults. Early diagnosis relies on recognizing key clinical features associated with these rare genetic conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Genetics
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Stroke is often polygenetic or multifactorial.
  • Monogenic diseases can cause stroke, particularly in young adults.
  • Connective tissue diseases are an under-recognized cause of stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss connective tissue disorders associated with stroke.
  • To highlight clinical features for diagnosing these conditions.
  • To increase awareness of monogenic stroke causes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of connective tissue diseases and stroke.
  • Analysis of clinical features for diagnostic clues.
  • Synthesis of information on vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and collagen disorders.

Main Results:

  • Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a known cause of stroke.
  • Disorders related to Type IV collagen are emerging causes of stroke.
  • Other connective tissue diseases can also present with stroke.

Conclusions:

  • Connective tissue disorders are important differential diagnoses for stroke in young adults.
  • Recognizing specific clinical features aids in diagnosing these genetic conditions.
  • Further research is needed to understand the full spectrum of genetic stroke causes.

Related Concept Videos

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview01:17

Ischemic Heart Disease: Overview

Ischemic heart disease occurs when the heart's blood supply dwindles, causing an ominous lack of oxygen and nutrients. This deficiency, stemming from reduced or obstructed blood flow, spells danger, leading to heart muscle damage and dysfunction.
Atherosclerosis, the primary malefactor, orchestrates this dangerous condition. It manifests as the accumulation of fatty deposits, akin to insidious plaques, within arterial walls. As time elapses, these plaques metamorphose, hardening and narrowing...
Connective Tissue Cell Types01:22

Connective Tissue Cell Types

Connective tissue develops from the mesoderm of a developing embryo and consists of cells, fibers, and ground substance: a gel-like material containing large complexes of carbohydrates and proteins. Connective tissue was first identified as a separate tissue family in the 18th century, and Johannes Peter Muller coined the term connective tissue.
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...