Which condition predisposes to berry aneurysms in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV?

• A. Subarachnoid infection
• B. Berry aneurysms
• C. Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta
• D. Retinal detachment

Answer: (B)

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (type IV) features a defect in type III collagen, weakening the walls of arteries. This vascular fragility makes cerebral arteries, especially at branching points in the circle of Willis, susceptible to forming saccular (berry) aneurysms. If these aneurysms rupture, they cause subarachnoid hemorrhage, a hallmark danger in this condition. Other options don’t reflect this specific link: subarachnoid infection isn’t a predisposition to aneurysm formation, abdominal aorta aneurysm points to different diseases, and retinal detachment is an unrelated complication. Thus, berry aneurysms are the cerebral vascular lesion best tied to Ehlers-Danlos type IV.