Arterial tortuosity syndrome

Discussion:

Arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) is a rare autosomal recessive connective tissue disorder characterized by:

  • a) cardiovascular anomalies, including elongation and tortuosity of the large and medium-sized arteries and anomalies of the vascular elastic fibers
  • b) extracardiac anomalies, such as skin (stretchable skin), soft tissue abnormalities such as joint laxity, arachnodactyly, and facial features (high arched palate, beaked nose)

Arterial tortuosity syndrome shares similarities with other connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndromeMarfan syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Marked tortuosity of the vessels favors ATS.

the disease can affect the pulmonary arteries and aorta, the coronary arteries, and other arteries, such as mesenteric and peripheral arteries. 

Our case demonstrates the affected neck and cranial arteries, forming multiple loops and kinks that can best be appreciated on 3D MRA sequences. These tortuous vessels are prone to aneurysm formation, dissection, and ischemic events

The first few years of life seem to be the most critical period for detecting and diagnosing the extent of the disease.

The role of the radiologist in the workup may include systemic vascular imaging to characterize the extent of disease and to detect potentially life-threatening events, particularly acute respiratory insufficiency due to pulmonary stenosis and other complications related to the regional arterial system.

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