Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome

National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

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It is possible that the main title of the report Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome is not the name you expected.

Disorder Subdivisions

  • None

General Discussion


Arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) is an extremely rare genetic disorder characterized by lengthening (elongation) and twisting or distortion (tortuosity) of arteries throughout the body. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. Affected arteries are prone to developing balloon-like bulges (aneurysms) on the wall of the artery, tearing (dissection), or narrowing (stenosis). The main artery that carries blood from the heart and to the rest of the body (aorta) can be affected. The pulmonary arteries are especially prone to narrowing. Additional symptoms affecting connective tissues entering in multiple systems of the body can also be present. Affected individuals may have distinctive facial features that are noticeable at birth or during early childhood. Arterial tortuosity syndrome can potentially cause severe life-threatening complications during infancy or early childhood, although individuals with milder symptoms have also been described. Arterial tortuosity syndrome is caused by mutations in the SLC2A10 gene and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.


Arterial tortuosity syndrome is a connective tissue disorder. Connective tissues are the major components of the body forming skeleton, joints, skin, vessels, and other organs. Connective tissues are characterized by the presence of cells included in an extracellular matrix network of a large variety of proteins (i.e. collagens), proteins bound to sugars chains of big dimension (proteoglycans), and sugars (hyaluronic acid, etc.). This complex mesh of molecules gives the tissue form and strength and ensures the passage of nutrients and factors controlling cell growth and proliferation.

Supporting Organizations

A Twist of Fate-ATS


Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311

NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Information Clearinghouse
One AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
Tel: (301)495-4484
Fax: (301)718-6366
Tel: (877)226-4267

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Last Updated:  7/4/2014
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