The role of the dental practitioner in diagnosing connective tissue and other systemic disorders: a case report of a patient diagnosed with type III Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

摘要

An adolescent patient was referred to our specialist oral surgery unit for orthodontic exposure of an ectopic upper canine. The medical history revealed a recent diagnosis of mitral valve prolapse as well as an anecdotal tendency towards regular fainting/lethargy. Examination revealed a hypermobile temporomandibular joint, and an orthopantomogram showed lower supernumerary premolar teeth. Combined, these findings indicated a likely underlying connective tissue disorder, and an indirect referral to a specialist in hypermobility syndromes confirmed a diagnosis of type III Ehlers-Danlos syndrome with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. This case highlights the importance of the dental practitioner in being able to provide holistic care for their patients.