Structural-functional changes of arteries in young patients with undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia

Aim of the study was to evaluate morphological changes, elasticity and endothelial function in young subjects with connective tissue dysplasia (CTD). The crossectional study involved 92 apparently healthy individuals from 18 to 35 years of age. Atherosclerosis risk factor and CTD signs screening, evaluation of pulse wave velocity (PWV) and endotheliumdependent vasodilation (EDVD) by means of peripheral pulse wave contour analysis were performed. Postmortem study involved 56 persons with CTD signs and 20 control persons age and sex matched. Phenotypic signs of CTD were found in all healthy individuals (range from 1 to 15). Values of PWV were significantly higher in 2, 3, and 4 quartiles of patients distribution by grade of CTD (p