Successful Treatment with the Smith-Hodge Pessary of Cervical Incompetence Due to Defective Connective Tissue in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Abstract

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a heterogeneous group of inherited connective tissue disorders with at least ten distinct types. We report a case of EDS complicated by cervical incompetence. Treatment was undertaken after confirmation that the patient's EDS was not type IV, hence not associated with potentially serious vascular complications. Because of concern about stretching or tearing of the hyperextensible connective tissue associated with EDS, cerclage was not performed. The cervical incompetence due to defective connective tissue was treated with a Smith-Hodge pessary.