PATIENTS WITH TYPE-IV EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME MAY BE PREDISPOSED TO ATLANTOAXIAL SUBLUXATION

Methods. Observational study of a selected cohort of patients with EDS attending a national meeting, Twenty-six patients with EDS (19 with t ype III; 3 with type IV; 1 each with types II and I; 2 with undefined subtypes) were radiologically evaluated. Lateral flexion-extension vie ws of the cervical spine in each patient were read in blinded fashion by a radiologist and compared to unblinded interpretations made by a s eparate radiologist. Measurement was taken from the most inferior aspe ct of the anterior arch of C1 to the dens along a horizontal plane. Th e remainder of the radiograph was examined for abnormalities. Results. Two patients with EDS type IV had radiographic evidence of atlantoaxi al subluxation (p = 0.013 Fisher's exact test), Evidence of horizontal translation between vertebral bodies below C2 was noted in 3 patients . Cervical arthrosis was present in 9. Conclusions. Atlantoaxial sublu xation may be a more common finding in persons with type IV EDS than p reviously thought, Examination of the cervical spine radiographically should be considered before administering general anesthesia to these patients.