26th February 2025

A 32-year-old female is referred to rheumatology clinic following a spontaneous aortic dissection causing splenic rupture.

A 32-year-old female is referred to rheumatology clinic following a spontaneous aortic dissection causing splenic rupture. She tells you she occasionally experiences aches and pains in her joints but denies swelling or morning stiffness. On direct questioning, she tells you she has always bruised easily, and has skin which seems quite ‘see-through’ to her. She has struggled as her surgical wound has reopened multiple times, and She has no other past medical history, takes no regular medications, and does not use any recreational drugs. 

On examination you notice she has prominent visible veins on her chest and limbs. When asked, she can bend her thumb back to touch her forearm, and she can put the palms of her hands flat on the floor when standing up and bending over with her feet touching.

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.