A 32-yo Woman With Gorlin Sign

(BMJ) - A 32-yo woman presented w/ temporomandibular joint dysfunction. She demonstrated Gorlin sign (the ability to touch the nose w/ the tip of the tongue). What underlying disease was suspected?

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Fibromyalgia

Cutis laxa

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum

Marfan syndrome

You are correct. Gorlin sign is seen in half of patients w/ Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and systemic hypermobility. There is a link between Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and TMJ dysfunction, and clinicians should attempt to elicit this sign when assessing pts w/ temporomandibular joint or rheumatological problems. Only 8% to 10% of the “normal” population can perform this maneuver.