children s health issues
Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum
Introduction
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum is a rare hereditary disorder of connective tissue that causes abnormalities in the skin, eyes, and blood vessels. Overview of Connective Tissue Disorders in Children is the tough, often fibrous tissue that binds the body's structures together and provides support and elasticity. Pseudoxanthoma elasticum is caused by mutations in a gene. Pseudoxanthoma elasticum causes stiffening of the connective tissue fibers that enable tissue to stretch and then spring back into place (elastic fibers). Elastic fibers are in the skin and various other tissues throughout the body, including blood vessels. The blood vessels may stiffen, losing their normal ability to expand and allow more blood to flow as needed. Stiffness also prevents the blood vessels from contracting. 