Abstract

Skin ultrastructural similarities between Fibromyalgia and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type

Author(s): Hermanns-Le T and Pierard GE

Fibromyalgia (FM) and hypermobility type Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDSH) share a series of common clinical signs. A clinical distinction between both diseases is occasionally difficult to be established. The physical changes observed in the mechanical properties of skin and joints do not distinctly distinguish these disorders. In addition, similar ultrastructural dermal changes are observed in both EDSH and some FM cases. The molecular alterations remain largely undisclosed in both diseases. As a result, EDSH remains undiagnosed in some FM patients. This condition deteriorates quality of life and possibly leads to prominent health problems.