Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome
Summary
Clinical characteristics.
Arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) is characterized by widespread elongation and tortuosity of the aorta and mid-sized arteries as well as focal stenosis of segments of the pulmonary arteries and/or aorta combined with findings of a generalized connective tissue disorder, which may include soft or doughy hyperextensible skin, joint hypermobility, inguinal hernia, and diaphragmatic hernia. Skeletal findings include pectus excavatum or carinatum, arachnodactyly, scoliosis, knee/elbow contractures, and camptodactyly. The cardiovascular system is the major source of morbidity and mortality with increased risk at any age for aneurysm formation and dissection both at the aortic root and throughout the arterial tree, and for ischemic vascular events involving cerebrovascular circulation (resulting in non-hemorrhagic stroke) and the abdominal arteries (resulting in infarctions of abdominal organs).
Diagnosis/testing.
The diagnosis of ATS is established in a proband with generalized arterial tortuosity and biallelic (homozygous or compound heterozygous) pathogenic variants in SLC2A10 identified on molecular genetic testing.
Management.
Treatment of manifestations: Individuals with ATS benefit from a coordinated approach of multidisciplinary specialists in a medical center familiar with ATS. Although hemodynamic stress on arterial walls can be reduced with use of beta-adrenergic blockers or other medications including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin II receptor 1 (ATIIR1) antagonists such as losartan, the efficacy of these treatments has not been established in ATS and caution is warranted when using blood pressure-lowering medications in the presence of arterial stenosis (anatomic or functional due to severe tortuosity), especially renal artery stenosis. Aneurysms and focal stenoses are amenable to surgical intervention. Wound healing may be delayed following surgery; thus, stitches should be placed without traction and remain in place approximately ten days. A supporting mesh can be used in the surgical repair of hernias to reduce recurrence risk. Skeletal manifestations such as scoliosis require management by an orthopedist; ocular manifestations require management when possible by an ophthalmologist with expertise in connective tissue disorders.
Surveillance: Regular cardiovascular follow up with: echocardiography every three months until age five years; and MRA or CT scan with 3D reconstruction from head to pelvis annually starting at birth or at the time of diagnosis. Monitoring of blood pressure at every visit. Orthodontic evaluation for possible dental crowding during eruption of permanent teeth; radiographs to evaluate for the progression of scoliosis, especially during periods of rapid growth; follow up for refractive errors and keratoconus with ophthalmologist with expertise in connective tissue disorders.
Agents/circumstances to avoid: Contact sports, competitive sports, and isometric exercise; scuba diving; agents that stimulate the cardiovascular system (including routine use of decongestants); tobacco use; sun tanning.
Evaluation of relatives at risk: It is appropriate to evaluate the older and younger sibs of a proband with ATS in order to identify as early as possible those who would benefit from treatment and surveillance for complications.
Pregnancy management: Data on the management of women with arterial tortuosity syndrome during pregnancy and delivery are limited. Preconception counseling should include possible pregnancy-associated risks to the mother (mainly aortic root dilatation and dissection) and recommendation to discontinue medications with possible teratogenic effects (e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACE-I], angiotensin II receptor 1 antagonists [ATIIR1] such as losartan, and anticoagulant therapy) and to begin therapy with β-blockers.
Genetic counseling.
ATS is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. If both parents are known to be heterozygous for an SLC2A10 pathogenic variant, each sib of an affected individual has at conception a 25% chance of being affected, a 50% chance of being an asymptomatic carrier, and a 25% chance of being unaffected and not a carrier. Carrier testing for at-risk relatives and prenatal and preimplantation genetic testing are possible once the SLC2A10 pathogenic variants have been identified in an affected family member.
Diagnosis
No formal diagnostic criteria have been established for arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS).
Suggestive Findings
Arterial tortuosity syndrome should be suspected in individuals with severe and widespread elongation and tortuosity of the aorta and mid-sized arteries along with the following additional possible findings:
- Cardiovascular findings including:
- Stenosis of the main and peripheral pulmonary arteries
- Focal stenosis of the aorta and large stenotic stretches
- Aortic and arterial aneurysms, dissections, and ischemic events
- Large-vein dilation and tortuosity
- Characteristic facial features (more prominent with aging) (see Figure 1):
- Blepharophimosis or periorbital fullness
- Downslanted palpebral fissures
- Convex nasal ridge
- Midface retrusion
- Micrognathia
- Large ears
- Long face
- High palate and dental crowding
- Evidence of a generalized connective tissue disorder including:
- Soft or doughy hyperextensible skin with normal recoil on stretching, with or without loose skin folds and redundancy (as seen in cutis laxa syndromes) and atrophic scars, especially after surgery
- Joint hypermobility
- Inguinal hernia
- Diaphragmatic hernia or sliding hernia
- Skeletal findings including:
- Pectus excavatum/carinatum
- Arachnodactyly
- Scoliosis
- Knee/elbow contractures
- Camptodactyly
- Family history consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance (e.g., affected sibs and/or parental consanguinity). Absence of a known family history does not preclude the diagnosis.
Figure 1.
Craniofacial findings in ATS A:VI-2, male age 12 years
Establishing the Diagnosis
The diagnosis of arterial tortuosity syndrome is established in a proband with generalized arterial tortuosity and biallelic (homozygous or compound heterozygous) pathogenic variants in SLC2A10 identified by molecular genetic testing (see Table 1).
Note: Identification of biallelic SLC2A10 variants of uncertain significance (or identification of one known SLC2A10 pathogenic variant and one SLC2A10 variant of uncertain significance) does not establish or rule out the diagnosis of this disorder.
Molecular genetic testing approaches can include a combination of gene-targeted testing (multigene panel) and comprehensive genomic testing (exome sequencing, exome array, genome sequencing) depending on the phenotype.
Gene-targeted testing requires that the clinician determine which gene(s) are likely involved, whereas genomic testing does not. Individuals with the distinctive findings described in Suggestive Findings are likely to be diagnosed using gene-targeted testing (see Option 1), whereas those in whom the diagnosis of ATS has not been considered are more likely to be diagnosed using genomic testing (see Option 2).
Option 1
A multigene panel that includes SLCA10 and other genes of interest (see Differential Diagnosis) is likely to identify the genetic cause of the condition at the most reasonable cost while limiting identification of variants of uncertain significance and pathogenic variants in genes that do not explain the underlying phenotype. Note: (1) The genes included in the panel and the diagnostic sensitivity of the testing used for each gene vary by laboratory and are likely to change over time. (2) Some multigene panels may include genes not associated with the condition discussed in this GeneReview. (3) In some laboratories, panel options may include a custom laboratory-designed panel and/or custom phenotype-focused exome analysis that includes genes specified by the clinician. (4) Methods used in a panel may include sequence analysis, deletion/duplication analysis, and/or other non-sequencing-based tests.
Depending on the testing method used for sequence analysis, single-exon, multiexon, or whole-gene deletions/duplications may not be detected. If only one or no variant is detected by the testing method used, consultation with the lab is recommended regarding the need for additional testing such as gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis to detect exon and whole-gene deletions or duplications.
For an introduction to multigene panels click here. More detailed information for clinicians ordering genetic tests can be found here.
Option 2
Comprehensive genomic testing does not require the clinician to determine which gene is likely involved. Exome sequencing is most commonly used; genome sequencing is also possible.
For an introduction to comprehensive genomic testing click here. More detailed information for clinicians ordering genomic testing can be found here.
Table 1.
Molecular Genetic Testing Used in Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome (ATS)
| Gene 1 | Method | Proportion of Pathogenic Variants 2 Detectable by Method |
|---|---|---|
| SLCA10 | Sequence analysis 3 | ~98% 4 |
| Gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis 5 | ~2% 4 |
- 1.
See Table A. Genes and Databases for chromosome locus and protein.
- 2.
See Molecular Genetics for information on variants detected in this gene.
- 3.
Sequence analysis detects variants that are benign, likely benign, of uncertain significance, likely pathogenic, or pathogenic. Variants may include small intragenic deletions/insertions and missense, nonsense, and splice site variants; typically, exon or whole-gene deletions/duplications are not detected. For issues to consider in interpretation of sequence analysis results, click here.
- 4.
Data derived from the subscription-based professional view of Human Gene Mutation Database [Stenson et al 2017]
- 5.
Gene-targeted deletion/duplication analysis detects intragenic deletions or duplications. Methods used may include quantitative PCR, long-range PCR, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and a gene-targeted microarray designed to detect single-exon deletions or duplications.
Clinical Characteristics
Clinical Description
Arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) is characterized by widespread elongation and tortuosity of the aorta and mid-sized arteries as well as focal stenosis of segments of the pulmonary arteries and/or aorta combined with findings of a generalized connective tissue disorder.
ATS is a highly variable disorder ranging from early mortality during infancy to limited manifestations in adulthood [Pletcher et al 1996, Callewaert et al 2008, Castori et al 2012, Beyens et al 2018].
Most affected individuals are identified in early childhood, often because of a cardiac murmur or cyanosis. Subsequently manifestations of a generalized connective tissue disorder are often observed, prompting an echocardiogram that reveals aortic abnormalities with or without pulmonary artery stenosis.
- About 12% of all affected individuals are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit because of a primary presentation with infant respiratory distress syndrome. Underlying causes may be diverse and include insufficient lung maturation, pulmonary hypertension, and/or diaphragmatic hernia.
- Few reports mention cardiorespiratory failure as the initial presentation during infancy or young childhood.
- Cutaneous (cutis laxa, stretchable skin) and gastrointestinal (pyloric stenosis, failure to thrive) manifestations have been infrequently reported as the initial presenting symptoms.
- Rare patients have been identified initially in adulthood, with joint aches and premature aging as the main presenting features [Castori et al 2012].
To date, 106 individuals with ATS and biallelic pathogenic variants in SLCA10 have been identified [Beyens et al 2018, de Marcellus et al 2018, Kocova et al 2018, Zoma et al 2019]. The following description of the phenotypic features associated with this condition is based on these reports.
Table 2.
Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome (ATS): Frequency of Select Features
| Feature | % of Persons w/Feature 1 | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular findings | Aortic tortuosity | 92% | |
| Tortuosity of other arteries | 80% | ||
| Aortic root aneurysm | 16% | Aggressive in young childhood or slowly progressive in adolescence/adulthood | |
| Pulmonary artery stenosis | 57% | ||
| Aortic stenosis | 24% | ||
| Other arterial stenosis | 15% | ||
| Autonomic dysfunction | 18% | ||
| Craniofacial features | Characteristic facial features | ~60% | Overall estimate, mainly based on authors' personal experience |
| Long face | 73% | ||
| Downslanted palpebral fissures | 42% | ||
| Convex nasal ridge | 37% | ||
| Full cheeks | 54% | ||
| Micrognathia | 58% | ||
| High palate | 49% | ||
| Cleft palate / bifid uvula | 7% | ||
| Findings of generalized connective tissue disorder | Joint hypermobility | 76% | |
| Joint pain | 26% | Progressive w/age | |
| Cutis laxa | 31% | ||
| Inguinal hernia | 38% | ||
| Diaphragmatic/sliding hernia | 29% | ||
| Skeletal findings | Pectus deformity | 28% | |
| Arachnodactyly | 30% | ||
| Scoliosis | 22% | ||
| Eye findings | Keratoconus | 15% | Recent finding; # of persons assessed in detail is limited. Prevalence may be ↑ in young adults. |
| Myopia | 43% | ||
| Other | Respiratory tract | 15% | |
| Urogenital anomalies | 20% | ||
- 1.
Percentages based on Beyens et al [2018]
Cardiovascular involvement. The cardiovascular system is the major source of morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular manifestations include congenital widespread tortuosity of the large and mid-sized arteries. There is increased risk at any age for aneurysm formation and dissection both at the aortic root and throughout the arterial tree [Pletcher et al 1996, Wessels et al 2004, Drera et al 2007a, Callewaert et al 2008, Castori et al 2012]. Although aortic dissections have been mainly reported in early clinically diagnosed cases [Pletcher et al 1996, Wessels et al 2004], some of which had molecular genetic confirmation later [Coucke et al 2006], no dissections have been reported since the initial publication of the causative gene [Coucke et al 2006]. Nevertheless, aggressive aortic root dilatation has been reported in infancy and young childhood [Beyens et al 2018]. Arterial aneurysms are amenable to surgery [Bottio et al 2007] (see Management).
The risk is also increased at any age for ischemic vascular events involving cerebrovascular circulation (resulting in non-hemorrhagic stroke) and the abdominal arteries (resulting in infarctions of abdominal organs). Although arterial dissections have been reported, it is unclear if thrombosis due to endothelial damage caused by increased shear stress on the wall of the tortuous arteries may have precipitated some of these ischemic events.
Focal stenoses of the aorta and aortic branches are congenital and amenable to treatment (see Management). In addition, long stenotic stretches of the aorta may occur.
Hypertension and ventricular hypertrophy have been reported in individuals and may require aggressive management [Beyens et al 2018, de Marcellus et al 2018]. Increased media thickness and arterial stiffness (as indicated by increased pulse wave velocity) may be associated [de Marcellus et al 2018].
Stenosis of the main and peripheral pulmonary arteries may lead to pulmonary hypertension [Wessels et al 2004, Callewaert et al 2008, Beyens et al 2018].
Large-vein dilation [Callewaert et al 2008, Beyens et al 2018] or in some cases tortuosity [Moceri et al 2013] may be present.
Valvular regurgitation and mitral valve prolapse [Drera et al 2007b, Callewaert et al 2008, Castori et al 2012, Beyens et al 2018] have been reported.
A higher rate of Raynaud phenomenon and orthostatic hypotension is reported; the causal relation remains to be established [Callewaert et al 2008, Beyens et al 2018].
Craniofacial involvement. Typical facial characteristics (see Figure 1) can be present from early childhood, but usually become more prominent in older children and adults.
Generalized connective tissue disorder. The skin is usually soft and loose in ATS. Some affected individuals have a hyperextensible skin and rarely may present with frank cutis laxa [Callewaert et al 2008, Beyens et al 2018].
Individuals often present with hypotonia and joint hypermobility and are at risk for sprains and luxations. Adults are at increased risk for joint pain and fatigue [Castori et al 2012].
Diaphragmatic hernia and sliding hiatal hernias are reported in up to 50% of affected individuals [Callewaert et al 2008, Zaidi et al 2009].
Affected women are more prone to prolapse of the bladder, uterus, and rectum, especially following childbirth [Castori et al 2012].
Skeletal findings. Growth of the long bones may be excessive. Although clear dolichostenomelia (disproportionately long arms and legs compared to the trunk) is rarely present, overgrowth of the ribs may result in pectus deformity, and the hands often show arachnodactyly. Scoliosis is rare and ranges from mild to severe; it can be progressive, mostly during periods of fast growth. Pes planus with hindfoot valgus may be present. Knee and/or elbow contractures and camptodactyly have been reported.
Osteopenia has been observed in rare individuals [Authors, unpublished data].
Eye. Thin corneas and/or pellucid marginal degeneration of the corneas were present in five children assessed in detail [Hardin et al 2018]. Keratoconus has been reported in eight affected individuals, two of whom also had keratoglobus and deep corneal opacification [Callewaert et al 2008, Hasler et al 2011, Hardin et al 2018]. Note that the corneal findings become more pronounced with age, and that many children have not been assessed properly to identify corneal thinning (which often precedes keratoconus). Ectopia lentis has not been described. It is unclear whether myopia and astigmatism occur more frequently than in the general population.
Other
- Respiratory tract. Infants may present with infant respiratory stress syndrome, requiring admission to a neonatal intensive care unit. Pulmonary hypertension may cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and cyanotic episodes. Single cases of early-onset emphysema [Takahashi et al 2013] and pneumonia [Wessels et al 2004] have been described, but it is unclear if individuals with ATS are truly at risk for these features.
- Urogenital anomalies. Pyeloectasia and bladder diverticula have been reported in multiple individuals. Hypospadias, urine retention, and hematuria (underlying cause unknown) were each reported in single individuals.
Life span. Although early reports mentioned 40% mortality before age four years [Wessels et al 2004], larger series of individuals with a molecularly confirmed diagnosis indicate a milder disease spectrum [Callewaert et al 2008, Beyens et al 2018]. It is likely some individuals in whom the diagnosis was not molecularly confirmed had a similar disorder with a poorer prognosis – including EFEMP2-related cutis laxa (see Differential Diagnosis). The earlier literature may also have been biased toward reporting the more severe end of the phenotypic spectrum.
Genotype-Phenotype Correlations
No genotype-phenotype correlations have been identified.
Nomenclature
Lees et al [1969] were likely the first to report the syndrome, which they called "Ehlers-Danlos syndrome with multiple pulmonary artery stenoses and tortuous systemic arteries." Following this initial description, the disorder has always been considered distinct from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and the designation "arterial tortuosity syndrome" has been used consistently. Molecular genetic testing has not yet been performed in the individual published by Lees et al [1969].
Of note, in some reports "arterial tortuosity syndrome" refers to EFEMP2-related cutis laxa, which is a related but distinct disorder [Satish et al 2008].
Prevalence
No reliable estimates of prevalence exist. ATS is considered rare (<1:1,000,000 live births). However, some authors suggest that it may be more frequent than estimated [Callewaert et al 2008].
ATS occurs in all populations, but most reported cases to date are from Europe and the Middle East.
Differential Diagnosis
Table 3 summarizes disorders that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS).
Table 3.
Genes of Interest in the Differential Diagnosis of Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome
| Gene(s) | DiffDx Disorder | MOI | Clinical Features of DiffDx Disorder | Distinguishing Clinical Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACTA2 (BGN) COL3A1 FBN1 (FOXE3) (HCN4) LOX (MAT2A) (MFAP5) MYH11 MYLK PRKG1 SMAD3 TGFB2 (TGFB3) TGFBR1 TGFBR2 1 | Heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD; familial thoracic aortic aneurysms) 1 | AD | Aortic root dilatation may be isolated or assoc w/other vascular & nonvascular features, incl marfanoid skeletal features as seen in ATS. 1 | Though some of these thoracic aortic aneurysm syndromes may present w/mild tortuosity, severe tortuosity is usually absent, & stenosis is rare (except in ACTA2-HTAD). |
| ALDH18A1 | ALDH18A1 cutis laxa (ARCL3A: OMIM 219150; ADCL3: OMIM 616603) | AR AD 2 | Intracerebral AT (no widespread AT); ID; chorea-athetosis; corneal clouding or cataract; intrauterine growth retardation; some degree of cutis laxa | ATS is not assoc w/ID, chorea-athetosis, corneal clouding, or cataract. |
| ATP7A | Occipital horn syndrome (OHS) (See ATP7A Copper Transport Disorders.) | XL | Occipital horns 3 (may be clinically palpable or observed on skull radiographs); lax skin & joints; bladder diverticula; inguinal hernias; vascular tortuosity (mainly of cerebral vasculature) | Skeletal & urogenital features of OHS are distinctive. |
| BGN | BGN-associated aortic aneurysm syndrome 4 | XL | Clinical features significantly overlap w/Marfan syndrome & LDS: early-onset aortic root dilatation & dissection, widely spaced eyes, joint hypermobility, contractures, bifid uvula, & pectus deformities |
|
| COL3A1 TNXB | Hypermobile EDS (hEDS), classic-like EDS, & vascular EDS (vEDS) | AD AR 5 |
|
|
| EFEMP2 | EFEMP2 cutis laxa (ARCL1B) | AR |
|
|
| FBLN5 LTBP4 | FBLN5 cutis laxa & LTBP4 cutis laxa | AR AD 8 |
| Persons w/FBLN5 cutis laxa & LTBP4 cutis laxa do not have the AT seen in persons w/ATS. 9 |
| FBN1 | Marfan syndrome | AD | Aortic root aneurysm; long bone overgrowth; scoliosis; lens subluxation |
|
| FKBP1 PLOD1 | Kyphoscoliotic EDS (see FKBP14-kEDS & PLOD1-kEDS) | AR | Aortic root aneurysm; vascular rupture; scoliosis; corneal thinning; ocular rupture; joint hypermobility; skin fragility |
|
| SMAD2 SMAD3 TGFB2 TGFB3 TGFBR1 TGFBR2 | Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) | AD |
|
|
AD = autosomal dominant; AR = autosomal recessive; AT = arterial tortuosity; ATS = arterial tortuosity syndrome; DiffDx = differential diagnosis; EDS = Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; ID = intellectual disability; LDS = Loeys-Dietz syndrome; MOI = mode of inheritance; XL = X-linked
- 1.
Renard et al [2018] discussed the clinical validity of genes associated with heritable thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (FTAAD). Genes in ( )s were recently associated with FTAAD and require further confirmation. Of note, this paper mentions SLC2A10 as a "potentially diagnostic gene for FTAAD," meaning that identification of biallelic SLC2A10 pathogenic variants may allow diagnosis of the cause of thoracic aortic enlargement, but that pathogenic variants in SLC2A10 are primarily causative of other clinical features and are not associated with a significant risk of progression to aortic dissection.
- 2.
ALDH18A1-related cutis laxa can be inherited in an autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant manner; the autosomal recessive form is more severe.
- 3.
"Occipital horns" are distinctive wedge-shaped calcifications at the sites of attachment of the trapezius muscle and the sternocleidomastoid muscle to the occipital bone.
- 4.
Meester et al [2017]
- 5.
Hypermobile EDS is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner (the molecular basis of hEDS is unknown). Classic-like EDS is associated with pathogenic variants in TNXB and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Vascular EDS is associated with pathogenic variants in COL3A1 and is almost always inherited in an autosomal dominant manner (rare examples of biallelic inheritance have been reported).
- 6.
Two reports mention arterial tortuosity syndrome in patients previously misdiagnosed with EDS hypermobility type, one of whom was homozygous for the SLC2A10 pathogenic variant c.1411+1G>A [Allen et al 2009] and one of whom was homozygous for the SLC2A10 pathogenic variant c.685C>T [Castori et al 2012].
- 7.
Hucthagowder et al [2006], Renard et al [2010]
- 8.
LTBP4-related cutis laxa is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. FBLN5 cutis laxa can be inherited in an autosomal recessive or (less commonly) autosomal dominant manner.
- 9.
Callewaert et al [2013]
Management
No clinical practice guidelines for arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) have been published.
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis
To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with ATS, the evaluations summarized in Table 4 (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended.
Table 4.
Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome
| System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Aortic root aneurysm | Echocardiography | Aortic root measurements must be interpreted based on consideration of normal values for age & body size. |
| Arterial tortuosity (AT) | MRA or CT scan w/3D reconstruction from head to pelvis | To evaluate AT, identify abnormal implantation of aortic branches & identify arterial aneurysms &/or stenosis throughout arterial tree. |
| Hypertension | Blood pressure measurements | |
| Orthostatic hypotension | Tilt testing | Only if history is suggestive |
| Palate abnormality | Eval for cleft palate or bifid uvula | |
| Diaphragmatic hernia / Sliding hernia | Thoracoabdominal radiography | |
| Scoliosis | Clinical eval, skeletal radiographs | |
| Osteopenia | Bone densitometry | If diagnosed in adulthood |
| Ocular abnormality | Eval for keratoconus, keratoglobus & corneal thinning, refractive errors | |
| Urogenital abnormalities | Ultrasound of urinary tract | |
| Genetic counseling | By genetics professionals 1 | To inform patients & families re nature, MOI, & implications of ATS to facilitate medical & personal decision making |
ATS = arterial tortuosity syndrome; MOI = mode of inheritance
- 1.
Medical geneticist, certified genetic counselor, or certified advanced genetic nurse
Treatment of Manifestations
Individuals with ATS benefit from a coordinated approach from multidisciplinary specialists including a clinical geneticist, cardiologist, ophthalmologist, orthopedist, and cardiothoracic surgeon. If feasible, individuals with ATS should be managed in a medical center familiar with this condition.
Table 5.
Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome
| Manifestation/ Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other |
|---|---|---|
| Aortic aneurysm | Medical treatment: beta-adrenergic blockers or other medications, incl angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) & angiotensin II receptor 1 (ATIIR1) antagonists such as losartan |
|
| Surgical treatment: valve-sparing procedure that precludes need for chronic anticoagulation |
| |
| Focal stenosis of aorta & aortic branches | Catheterization &/or surgery | |
| Pulmonary artery stenosis → pulmonary hypertension | Surgery, catheterization, or a hybrid (transcatheter-surgical procedure) | |
| Abnormal skin healing | Careful postoperative eval of (surgical) wounds needed, as wound healing may be delayed | Stitches should avoid traction & should remain in place for ~10 days. |
| Hernias | Use of supporting mesh during surgical repair to minimize recurrence | |
| Pectus excavatum | Surgical intervention when severe | Surgery would be medically (rather than cosmetically) indicated. |
| Scoliosis | Mgmt by orthopedist | Surgery may be needed. |
| Pes planus | Orthotics | |
| Ocular issues | Mgmt by ophthalmologist w/expertise in connective tissue disorders | To incl aggressive refraction & visual correction & eval of keratoconus |
| Emphysema | Treat symptomatically | Positive pressure ventilation may cause emphysematous changes to progress. |
| General well-being |
|
ATS = arterial tortuosity syndrome
Surveillance
Table 6.
Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome
| System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Arterial tortuosity, aneurysms, stenosis, or dilation of aortic root | Echocardiography |
|
| MRA or CT scan w/3D reconstructions from head to pelvis |
| |
| Pulmonary hypertension | Echocardiogram | Per cardiologist |
| Systemic hypertension | Blood pressure measurement | At each visit |
| Dental crowding | Orthodontic eval | During eruption of permanent dentition |
| Scoliosis | Radiographs to evaluate for progression of scoliosis | During periods of rapid growth (first 2 yrs of life & during puberty) |
| Ocular issues | Routine follow up for refractive errors & keratoconus w/ophthalmologist w/expertise in connective tissue disorders | |
| Emphysema | Eval w/pulmonologist |
|
Agents/Circumstances to Avoid
Avoid the following:
- Contact sports, competitive sports, and isometric exercise
- Scuba diving because of pressure differences and the need for positive pressure ventilation
- Agents that stimulate the cardiovascular system, including routine use of decongestants
- Use of tobacco, which increases cardiovascular and pulmonary risk and the likelihood of premature skin aging
- Sun tanning, which increases the likelihood of premature skin aging
Evaluation of Relatives at Risk
It is appropriate to evaluate the older and younger sibs of a proband with ATS in order to identify as early as possible those who would benefit from institution of surveillance and preventive measures.
- If the SLC2A10 pathogenic variants in the family are known, molecular genetic testing can be used to clarify the genetic status of at-risk sibs.
- If the pathogenic variants in the family are not known, at-risk sibs should be evaluated for signs of the disorder (clinically and with echocardiography or more advanced vascular imaging, as clinical symptoms may be very subtle) to clarify their genetic status.
See Genetic Counseling for issues related to testing of at-risk relatives for genetic counseling purposes.
Pregnancy Management
Data on the management of women with arterial tortuosity syndrome during pregnancy and delivery are limited, with only three pregnancies reported (in 2 women) to date. All pregnancies had a good outcome; however, one woman experienced pelvic organ prolapse following the vaginal delivery of her first child [Castori et al 2012]. The other woman, who delivered without complications at 34 weeks' gestation by elective cæsarean section, was started on acetylsalicylic acid to prevent thromboembolic events eight days post partum [Allen et al 2009].
Preconception counseling should include possible pregnancy-associated risks to the mother and medication-associated risks to the fetus.
The risks to the mother are mainly those of aortic root dilatation and dissection. As is common practice in management in Marfan syndrome, elective aortic repair using a valve-sparing procedure (if possible) could be performed prior to conception when the aortic root diameter reaches 45 mm.
Currently, no data are available on a possible risk for pregnancy-associated uterine rupture (as is seen in Loeys-Dietz syndrome and EDS, vascular type). Prenatal and postnatal physiotherapy can minimize the risk for pelvic organ prolapse.
Peripartum intensive monitoring is advised. Pregnancies should be followed by a high-risk obstetrician and a cardiologist familiar with this or related conditions.
Increased surveillance of the aortic root and previously detected aneurysms during pregnancy and following delivery is recommended because of the increased risk for progressive dilatation. Echocardiography is suggested every two to three months from conception until six months post partum.
Delivery should be planned in a center with experience with this or related conditions. It is currently unclear whether cæsarean section or vaginal delivery is preferable.
Medication-associated risks to the fetus. The effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) on the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy are incompletely understood; however, use in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can lead to fetal death and damage. Angiotensin II receptor 1 antagonists (ATIIR1) such as losartan are thought to cause fetal effects similar to ACE-I (including fetal damage, oligohydramnios, and fetal death) if taken during the second and/or third trimesters of pregnancy.
- Ideally, women with ATS who are planning a pregnancy should transition to a different antihypertensive medication (e.g., a beta-blocker) prior to conception.
- Women with ATS who become pregnant while taking an ACE-I or an ATIIR1 should be transitioned to a different antihypertensive medication as soon as the pregnancy is recognized.
Women undergoing a non-valve-sparing aortic root replacement before pregnancy should be advised of the risk associated with anticoagulant therapy during pregnancy.
See MotherToBaby for further information on medication use during pregnancy.
Therapies Under Investigation
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.