Connective tissue disorders in dissections of the carotid or vertebral arteries

Dissections of the carotid or vertebral arteries are a significant cause of ischemic stroke. Their etiology includes not only mechanical forces but also underlying arteriopathies such as Ehlers–Danlos syndrome type IV and other connective tissue disorders. Furthermore, dissections often occur spontaneously or after minor trauma in otherwise healthy individuals without clinically evident underlying aberrations. However, in some of these patients ultrastructural connective tissue changes can be detected. An overview of connective tissue disorders associated with dissections of the carotid or vertebral arteries is presented.