Q79.6: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

The connective tissue in your body is not as firm as normal. This condition is congenital, which means you were born with it.

There are various kinds of connective tissue. Connective tissue is found all over the body and fulfills various tasks. Connective tissue contains lots of fine fibers. Thus it can protect or stabilize organs. There is connective tissue beneath the skin and around muscles, for example. Tendons, ligaments and cartilage are also made of connective tissue. Connective tissue cells are important for wound healing and in the event of inflammation, for example.

Connective tissue disease is hereditary. Other family members may also be affected.

If the connective tissue is not as firm as normal, various symptoms can develop. The symptoms depend on which type of connective tissue is affected. Very stretchy skin is typical. The skin is also susceptible to injury and doesn’t heal as well as normal. Many people with this condition can overextend their joints. The joints usually wear out more quickly than normal. This causes pain in the affected joints, for example. However, blood vessels, muscles and tendons can also be affected by the disease. These tissues can then tear, for example. In many cases, the connective tissue in the eyes and heart is also not as firm as normal.