Marfan syndrome. Long-term survival and complications after aortic aneurysm repair

Updated 2022 ACC/AHA Guideline Improves Concordance Between TTE and CT in Monitoring Marfan Snydrome and Related Disorders, but Relevant Measurement Differences Remain Frequent

Background

Patients diagnosed with Marfan syndrome or a related syndrome require frequent aorta monitoring using imaging techniques like transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and computed tomography (CT). Accurate aortic measurement is crucial, as even slight enlargement (>2 mm) often necessitates surgical intervention. The 2022 ACC/AHA guideline for Aortic Disease Diagnosis and Management includes updated imaging recommendations. We aimed to compare these with the 2010 guideline.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 137 patients with Marfan syndrome or a related disorder, undergoing TTE and ECG-triggered CT. Aortic diameter measurements were taken based on the old 2010 guideline (TTE: inner edge to inner edge, CT: external diameter) and the new 2022 guideline (TTE: leading edge to leading edge, CT: internal diameter). Bland-Altman plots compared measurement differences.

Results

Using the 2022 guideline significantly reduced differences outside the clinical agreement limit from 49% to 26% for the aortic sinus and from 41% to 29% for the ascending aorta. Mean differences were -0.30 mm for the aortic sinus and +1.12 mm for the ascending aorta using the 2022 guideline, compared to -2.66 mm and +1.21 mm using the 2010 guideline.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates for the first time that the 2022 ACC/AHA guideline improves concordance between ECG-triggered CT and TTE measurements in Marfan syndrome patients, crucial for preventing life-threatening aortic complications. However, the frequency of differences >2 mm remains high.

Clinical Relevance/Application

Accurate aortic diameter measurement is vital for patients at risk of fatal aortic complications. While the 2022 guideline enhances concordance between imaging modalities, frequent differences >2 mm persist, potentially impacting decisions on aortic repair. The risk of repeat radiation exposure from ECG-triggered CT, considered the 'gold standard', continues to be justified.

Opioid Utilization After Scoliosis Surgery is Greater in Marfan Syndrome Than Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective matched case cohort.

OBJECTIVE

Compare postoperative opioid utilization and prescribing behaviors between patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) after posterior spinal fusion (PSF).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Opioids are an essential component of pain management after PSF. However, due to the potential for opioid use disorder and dependence, current analgesic strategies aim to minimize their use, especially in younger patients. Limited information exists on opioid utilization after PSF for syndromic scoliosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty adolescents undergoing PSF with MFS were matched with patients with AIS (ratio, 1:2) by age, sex, degree of spinal deformity, and the number of vertebral levels fused. Inpatient and outpatient pharmaceutical data were reviewed for the quantity and duration of opioid and adjunct medications. Prescriptions were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) using CDC's standard conversion factor.

RESULTS

Compared with patients with AIS, patients with MFS had significantly greater total inpatient MME use (4.9 vs . 2.1 mg/kg, P ≤ 0.001) and longer duration of intravenous patient-controlled anesthesia (3.4 vs . 2.5 d, P = 0.001). Within the first 2 postop days, MFS patients had more patient-controlled anesthesia boluses (91 vs . 52 boluses, P = 0.01) despite similar pain scores and greater use of adjunct medications. After accounting for prior opioid use, MFS was the only significant predictor of requesting an opioid prescription after discharge (odds ratio: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.1-14.9, P = 0.03). Patients with MFS were also more likely to be discharged with a more potent prescription (1.0 vs . 0.72 MME per day/kg, P ≤ 0.001) and to receive a longer-duration prescription (13 vs . 8 d, P = 0.005) with a greater MME/kg (11.6 vs . 5.6 mg/kg, P ≤ 0.001) as outpatients.

CONCLUSION

Despite a similar intervention, patients with MFS and AIS seem to differ in their postoperative opioid usage after PSF, presenting an opportunity for further research to assist clinicians in better anticipating the analgesic needs of individual patients, particularly in light of the ongoing opioid epidemic.

Diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in patients with heritable connective tissue disorders or heritable thoracic aortic diseases

Patients with heritable connective tissue disorders (HCTDs), represented by Marfan syndrome, can develop fatal aortic and/or arterial complications before age 50. Therefore, accurate diagnosis, appropriate medical treatment, and early prophylactic surgical treatment of aortic and arterial lesions are essential to improve prognosis. Patients with HCTDs generally present with specific physical features due to connective tissue abnormalities, while some patients with heritable thoracic aortic diseases (HTADs) have few distinctive physical characteristics. The development of genetic testing has made it possible to provide accurate diagnoses for patients with HCTDs/HTADs. This review provides an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of HCTDs/HTADs, including current evidence on cardiovascular interventions for this population.

Echogenomics: Echocardiography in Heritable Aortopathies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this article is to review the current echocardiographic considerations in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with inherited aortopathies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Aortic dilation is a key feature in heritable aortopathies, and dissection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. New genetic and histopathologic findings are helpful in better understanding these conditions. Non-invasive imaging modalities, including echocardiogram, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, are essential in monitoring these patients, as well as providing new prognostic factors of arterial stiffness that may help with risk stratification in the future. Diagnosis of heritable aortopathies should be considered with identification of aortic root dilation, particularly in children and young adults, or when there is a family history of aortic disease. Recent adult consensus guidelines highlight the importance of underlying genotype and phenotypic features when considering prophylactic surgical intervention. There are currently no consensus pediatric guidelines.

Marfan syndrome in a Ghanaian male: The diagnostic challenges

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominantly inherited condition that has varying phenotypic expressions. This case report describes one such African patient, from Ghana, who had typical clinical and imaging traits of MFS but was first diagnosed incidentally at the age of 23 years. In this report, we explore the challenges of early diagnosis in this population.

2022 ACC/AHA guideline for the diagnosis and management of aortic disease: A report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the diagnosis, genetic evaluation and family screening, medical therapy, endovascular and surgical treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients with aortic disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, stable symptomatic, and acute aortic syndromes).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through June 2022 during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee, where appropriate.

STRUCTURE

Recommendations from previously published AHA/ACC guidelines on thoracic aortic disease, peripheral artery disease, and bicuspid aortic valve disease have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with aortic disease have been developed. There is added emphasis on the role of shared decision making, especially in the management of patients with aortic disease both before and during pregnancy. The is also an increased emphasis on the importance of institutional interventional volume and multidisciplinary aortic team expertise in the care of patients with aortic disease.

Outcome of Stanford type B dissection in patients with Marfan syndrome

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of Stanford type B aortic dissection in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) and to evaluate aortic diameters at time of dissection as well as the impact of previous aortic root replacement.

METHODS

Analysis of all patients with MFS fulfilling Ghent criteria seen at this institution since 1995 until 2022.

RESULTS

Thirty-six (19%) out of 188 patients with MFS suffered from Stanford type B aortic dissection during the study period. The Mean aortic diameter at the time of dissection was 39.0 mm [95% confidence interval (CI): 35.6-42.3]. The mean pre-dissection diameter (available in 25% of patients) was 32.1 mm (95% CI: 28.0-36.3) and the mean expansion was 19% (95% CI: 11.9-26.2). There was no correlation between age and diameter at the time of dissection (<20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, <61 years; P = 0.78). Freedom from intervention after dissection was 53%, 44% and 33% at 1, 5 and 10 years. Aortic growth rate in those patients that had to undergo intervention within the 1st year after dissection was 10.2 mm/year (95% CI: 4.4-15.9) compared to 5.8 mm/year (95% CI: 3.3-8.3, P = 0.109) in those thereafter. The mean time between dissection and intervention was 1.8 years (95% CI: 0.6-3.0). While type B dissection seems more frequent after previous elective aortic repair (58% vs 42%), there was no difference between valve-sparing root replacement (VSRR) compared to Bentall procedures [Hazard ratio (HR) for VSRR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.31-2.0, P-value = 0.61]. The mean age of the entire population at the end of follow-up was 42 years (95% CI: 39.2-44.7). The mean follow-up time was 9 years (95% CI: 7.8-10.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Stanford type B dissection in patients with MFS occurs far below accepted thresholds for intervention. Risk for type B dissection is present throughout lifetime and two-thirds of patients need an intervention after dissection. There is no difference in freedom from type B dissection between a Bentall procedure and a VSRR.

Fate of the distal aorta following root replacement in Marfan syndrome: a propensity score matched study

Objective

The aortic root is the most frequent segment involved in Marfan syndrome. However, Marfan syndrome is a systemic hereditary connective tissue disorder, and knowledge regarding the outcomes of the native distal aorta after prophylactic aortic root surgery is limited.

Methods

From April 2010 to December 2020, 226 patients with Marfan syndrome and 1,200 patients without Marfan syndrome who underwent Bentall procedures were included in this study. By propensity score matching, 134 patients were assigned to each group. Clinical manifestations and follow-up data were acquired from hospital records and telephone contact. The cumulative incidence of aortic events was estimated in Marfan and non-Marfan patients with death as a competing risk.

Results

Patients with and without Marfan syndrome had similar baseline characteristics after propensity score matching. Differences in the aortic root (62.25 ± 11.96 vs. 54.03 ± 13.76, P < .001) and ascending aorta (37.71 ± 9.86 vs. 48.16 ± 16.01, P < .001) remained after matching. No difference was observed in the frequency of aortic adverse events between the two groups (10.5% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.106). The cumulative incidence of aortic events was not different between Marfan and non-Marfan patients (15.03% ± 4.72% vs. 4.18% ± 2.06%, P = 0.147). Multivariate Cox regression indicated no significant impact of Marfan syndrome on distal aortic events (HR: 1.172, 95% CI: 0.263-5.230, P = 0.835). Descending and abdominal aortic diameter above normal at the initial procedure were associated with the risk of distal aortic events (HR: 20.735, P = .003, HR: 22.981, P = .002, respectively).

Conclusions

New-onset events of the residual aorta in patients undergoing Bentall procedures between the Marfan and non-Marfan groups were not significantly different. Distal aortic diameter above normal at initial surgery was associated with a higher risk of adverse aortic events.

Calcium promotes vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching in Marfan syndrome

Fibrillin 1 (Fbn1) mutations cause Marfan syndrome (MFS), with aortic root dilatation, dissection, and rupture. Few studies reported the blood calcium and lipid profile of MFS, and the effect of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switching on MFS aortic aneurysm is unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of calcium-related VSMC phenotypic switching in MFS. We retrospectively collected MFS patients' clinical data, performed bioinformatics analysis to screen the enriched biological process in MFS patients and mice, and detected markers of VSMC phenotypic switching on Fbn1^C1039G/+ mice and primary aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. We found that patients with MFS have elevated blood calcium levels and dyslipidemia. Furthermore, the calcium concentration levels were increased with age in MFS mice, accompanied by the promoted VSMC phenotypic switching, and SERCA2 contributed to maintaining the contractile phenotype of VSMCs. This study provides the first evidence that the increased calcium is associated with the promoted VSMC phenotype switching in MFS. SERCA may become a novel therapeutic target for suppressing aneurysm progression in MFS.

2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the diagnosis, genetic evaluation and family screening, medical therapy, endovascular and surgical treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients with aortic disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, stable symptomatic, and acute aortic syndromes).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through June 2022 during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee, where appropriate. Structure: Recommendations from previously published AHA/ACC guidelines on thoracic aortic disease, peripheral artery disease, and bicuspid aortic valve disease have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with aortic disease have been developed. There is added emphasis on the role of shared decision making, especially in the management of patients with aortic disease both before and during pregnancy. The is also an increased emphasis on the importance of institutional interventional volume and multidisciplinary aortic team expertise in the care of patients with aortic disease.

2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease: A Report of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2022 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the diagnosis, genetic evaluation and family screening, medical therapy, endovascular and surgical treatment, and long-term surveillance of patients with aortic disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, stable symptomatic, and acute aortic syndromes).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2021 to April 2021, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through June 2022 during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee, where appropriate.

STRUCTURE

Recommendations from previously published AHA/ACC guidelines on thoracic aortic disease, peripheral artery disease, and bicuspid aortic valve disease have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with aortic disease have been developed. There is added emphasis on the role of shared decision making, especially in the management of patients with aortic disease both before and during pregnancy. The is also an increased emphasis on the importance of institutional interventional volume and multidisciplinary aortic team expertise in the care of patients with aortic disease.

Discrepancy of echocardiography and computed tomography in initial assessment and 2-year follow-up for monitoring Marfan syndrome and related disorders

Patients with Marfan syndrome and related disorders are at risk for aortic dissection and aortic rupture and therefore require appropriate monitoring. Computed tomography (CT) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) are routinely used for initial diagnosis and follow-up. The purpose of this study is to compare whole-heart CT and TTE aortic measurement for initial work-up, 2-year follow-up, and detection of progressive aortic enlargement. This retrospective study included 95 patients diagnosed with Marfan syndrome or a related disorder. All patients underwent initial work-up including aortic diameter measurement using both electrocardiography-triggered whole-heart CT and TTE. Forty-two of these patients did not undergo aortic repair after initial work-up and were monitored by follow-up imaging within 2 years. Differences between the two methods for measuring aortic diameters were compared using Bland-Altman plots. The acceptable clinical limit of agreement (acLOA) for initial work-up, follow-up, and progression within 2 years was predefined as <  ± 2 mm. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a small bias of 0.2 mm with wide limits of agreement (LOA) from + 6.3 to - 5.9 mm for the aortic sinus and a relevant bias of - 1.6 mm with wide LOA from + 5.6 to - 8.9 mm for the ascending aorta. Follow-up imaging yielded a small bias of 0.5 mm with a wide LOA from + 6.7 to - 5.8 mm for the aortic sinus and a relevant bias of 1.1 mm with wide LOA from + 8.1 to - 10.2 mm for the ascending aorta. Progressive aortic enlargement at follow-up was detected in 57% of patients using CT and 40% of patients using TTE. Measurement differences outside the acLOA were most frequently observed for the ascending aorta. Whole-heart CT and TTE measurements show good correlation, but the frequency of measurement differences outside the acLOA is high. TTE systematically overestimates aortic diameters. Therefore, whole-heart CT may be preferred for aortic monitoring of patients with Marfan syndrome and related disorders. TTE remains an indispensable imaging tool that provides additional information not available with CT.

Genome-Wide Identification of Associations of Circulating Molecules With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection

Circulating proteins play functional roles in various biological processes and disease pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to highlight circulating proteins associated with aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). We examined the associations of circulating molecule levels with SCAD by integrating data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of CanSCAD and 7 pQTL studies. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was applied to examine the associations between circulating molecule levels and AAD by using data from UK Biobank GWAS and pQTL studies. The SCAD-associated SNPs in 1q21.2 were strongly associated with circulating levels of extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) and 25 other proteins (encoded by CTSS, CAT, CNDP1, KNG1, SLAMF7, TIE1, CXCL1, MBL2, ESD, CXCL16, CCL14, KCNE5, CST7, PSME1, GPC3, MAP2K4, SPOCK3, LRPPRC, CLEC4M, NOG, C1QTNF9, CX3CL1, SCP2D1, SERPINF2, and FN1). These proteins were enriched in biological processes such as regulation of peptidase activity and regulation of cellular protein metabolic processes. Proteins (FGF6, FGF9, HGF, BCL2L1, and VEGFA) involved in the Ras signaling pathway were identified to be related to AAD. In addition, SCAD- and AAD-associated SNPs were associated with cytokine and lipid levels. MR analysis showed that circulating ECM1, SPOCK3 and IL1b levels were associated with AAD. Circulating levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and small very-low-density lipoprotein particles were strongly associated with AAD. The present study found associations between circulating proteins and lipids and SCAD and AAD. Circulating ECM1 and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol may play a role in the pathology of SCAD and AAD.

Current state and future directions of genomic medicine in aortic dissection: A path to prevention and personalized care

Aortic dissection confers high mortality and morbidity rates despite advances in treatment, impacts quality of life, and contributes immense burden to the healthcare system globally. Efforts to prevent aortic dissection through screening and management of modifiable risk factors and early detection of aneurysms should incorporate genomic information, as it is integral to stratifying risk. However, effective integration of genomic-guided risk assessment into clinical practice will require addressing implementation barriers that currently permeate our healthcare systems. The Aortic Dissection Collaborative was established to define aortic dissection research priorities through patient engagement. Using a collaborative patient-centered feedback model, our Genomic Medicine Working Group identified related research priorities that could be investigated by pragmatic interventional studies aimed at aortic dissection prevention, utilization of genomic information to improve patient outcomes, and access to genomic medicine services. Further research is also needed to identify the genomic, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors that contribute to aortic dissection so these data can be incorporated into future comparative effectiveness studies to prevent aortic dissection.

Reinterventions and new aortic events after aortic surgery in Marfan syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Pre-emptive strategies to manage the aortic complications of Marfan syndrome have resulted in improved life expectancy yet, secondary to the variation of phenotypic expression, anticipating the risk and nature of future aortic events is challenging. We examine rates of new aortic events and reinterventions in a Marfan cohort following initial aortic presentation.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of Marfan patients with aortic pathology presenting to our institution 1998-2018. Patients were grouped according to index event: aortic dissection or root aneurysm. Patients with aortic dissection were classified according to Debakey criteria. Incidence of new aortic events and frequency of reintervention were analysed.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-six aortic procedures were performed in 74 Marfan patients with a median follow-up of 7 years. Forty-seven patients had an index event of root aneurysm and 27 had aortic dissection. Following operative intervention in the aneurysm group, 7 patients developed Debakey III dissections raising the overall number of patients who developed dissection within this cohort to 34. Reinterventions were more frequent in the dissection group with full replacement of the native aorta in 5 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

After operative intervention on the proximal aorta, a proportion will develop distal pathology. A greater focus on factors contributing to future events, such as mapping genotypes to clinical course, may lead the way for targeted operative techniques and surveillance.

A Comprehensive Review: Molecular and Genetic Background of Indirect Inguinal Hernias

Background

The occurrence of indirect inguinal hernias (IIH) is 5 times more prevalent than that of direct inguinal hernias (IH) and it is 7 times more common in males, owing to the attendance of the processus vaginalis (PV) throughout testicular descent.

Summary

In children, the immense mainstream of IH is indirect. The progress of IIH development in children is instigated with a patent PV, which is mostly treated by simple herniorrhaphy. Syndromes of the collagen, microfibril, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan constituents of the extracellular matrix may attend to the development of IH. Our recent research showed that the lack of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in children contributes to the development of IIH, while the scenario is defined as the opposite in adults. However, there is still a lack of knowledge on all of the genetic and molecular causes of the disease.

Key Messages

Here we aimed to review the published genetic background of IH, the deficiencies of connective tissue causing the disease, recently defined molecular pathways involved including EMT, and possible recurrence reasons. This comprehensive study can deliver an analytic outline aiding to define patients with IH combined with fundamental genetic diseases.

Midterm outcomes of aortic root surgery in patients with Marfan syndrome: A prospective, multicenter, comparative study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare midterm outcomes of aortic valve-replacing root replacement (AVR) and aortic valve-sparing root replacement (AVS) operations in patients with Marfan syndrome.

METHODS

Patients who met strict Ghent diagnostic criteria for Marfan syndrome and who underwent either AVR or AVS between March 1, 2005 and December 31, 2010 were enrolled in a 3-year follow-up prospective, multicenter, international registry study; the study was subsequently amended to include 20-year follow-up. Enrollees were followed clinically and echocardiographically.

RESULTS

Of the 316 patients enrolled, 77 underwent AVR and 239 underwent AVS; 214 gave reconsent for 20-year follow-up. The median clinical follow-up time for surviving patients was 64 months (interquartile range, 42-66 months). Survival rates for the AVR and AVS groups were similar at 88.2% ± 4.4% and 95.0% ± 1.5%, respectively (P = .1). Propensity score-adjusted competing risk modeling showed associations between AVS and higher cumulative incidences of major adverse valve-related events, valve-related morbidity, combined structural valve deterioration and nonstructural valve dysfunction, and aortic regurgitation ≥2+ (all P < .01). No differences were found for reintervention (P = .7), bleeding (P = .2), embolism (P = .3), or valve-related mortality (P = .8).

CONCLUSIONS

Five years postoperatively, major adverse valve-related events and valve-related morbidity were more frequent after AVS than after AVR procedures, primarily because of more frequent aortic valve dysfunction. No between-group differences were found in rates of survival, valve-related mortality, reintervention on the aortic valve, or bleeding. We plan to follow this homogenous cohort for 20 years after aortic root replacement.

Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant, age-related but highly penetrant condition with substantial intrafamilial and interfamilial variability. MFS is caused by pathogenetic variants in FBN1, which encodes fibrillin-1, a major structural component of the extracellular matrix that provides support to connective tissues, particularly in arteries, the pericondrium and structures in the eye. Up to 25% of individuals with MFS have de novo variants. The most prominent manifestations of MFS are asymptomatic aortic root aneurysms, aortic dissections, dislocation of the ocular lens (ectopia lentis) and skeletal abnormalities that are characterized by overgrowth of the long bones. MFS is diagnosed based on the Ghent II nosology; genetic testing confirming the presence of a FBN1 pathogenetic variant is not always required for diagnosis but can help distinguish MFS from other heritable thoracic aortic disease syndromes that can present with skeletal features similar to those in MFS. Untreated aortic root aneurysms can progress to life-threatening acute aortic dissections. Management of MFS requires medical therapy to slow the rate of growth of aneurysms and decrease the risk of dissection. Routine surveillance with imaging techniques such as transthoracic echocardiography, CT or MRI is necessary to monitor aneurysm growth and determine when to perform prophylactic repair surgery to prevent an acute aortic dissection.

Toward precision medicine in vascular connective tissue disorders

Tremendous progress has been made in understanding the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of inherited vascular connective tissue disorders. While new insights regarding disease etiology and pathogenesis have informed patient counseling and care, there are numerous obstacles that need to be overcome in order to achieve the full promise of precision medicine. In this review, these issues will be discussed in the context of Marfan syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome, with additional emphasis on the pioneering contributions made by Victor McKusick.

Artificial intelligence-based analysis of body composition in Marfan: skeletal muscle density and psoas muscle index predict aortic enlargement

BACKGROUND

Patients with Marfan syndrome are at risk for aortic enlargement and are routinely monitored by computed tomography (CT) imaging. The purpose of this study is to analyse body composition using artificial intelligence (AI)-based tissue segmentation in patients with Marfan syndrome in order to identify possible predictors of progressive aortic enlargement.

METHODS

In this study, the body composition of 25 patients aged ≤50 years with Marfan syndrome and no prior aortic repair was analysed at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) level from a retrospective dataset using an AI-based software tool (Visage Imaging). All patients underwent electrocardiography-triggered CT of the aorta twice within 2 years for suspected progression of aortic disease, suspected dissection, and/or pre-operative evaluation. Progression of aortic enlargement was defined as an increase in diameter at the aortic sinus or the ascending aorta of at least 2 mm. Patients meeting this definition were assigned to the 'progressive aortic enlargement' group (proAE group) and patients with stable diameters to the 'stable aortic enlargement' group (staAE group). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Two possible body composition predictors of aortic enlargement-skeletal muscle density (SMD) and psoas muscle index (PMI)-were analysed further using multivariant logistic regression analysis. Aortic enlargement was defined as the dependent variant, whereas PMI, SMD, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), beta blocker medication, and time interval between CT scans were defined as independent variants.

RESULTS

There were 13 patients in the proAE group and 12 patients in the staAE group. AI-based automated analysis of body composition at L3 revealed a significantly increased SMD measured in Hounsfield units (HUs) in patients with aortic enlargement (proAE group: 50.0 ± 8.6 HU vs. staAE group: 39.0 ± 15.0 HU; P = 0.03). PMI also trended towards higher values in the proAE group (proAE group: 6.8 ± 2.3 vs. staAE group: 5.6 ± 1.3; P = 0.19). Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant prediction of aortic enlargement for SMD (P = 0.05) and PMI (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Artificial intelligence-based analysis of body composition at L3 in Marfan patients is feasible and easily available from CT angiography. Analysis of body composition at L3 revealed significantly higher SMD in patients with progressive aortic enlargement. PMI and SMD significantly predicted aortic enlargement in these patients. Using body composition as a predictor of progressive aortic enlargement may contribute information for risk stratification regarding follow-up intervals and the need for aortic repair.

Genome-Wide Identification of RNA Modifications for Spontaneous Coronary Aortic Dissection

RNA modification plays important roles in many biological processes such as gene expression control. Genetic variants that affect RNA modification may have functional roles in aortic dissection. The aim of this study was to identify RNA modifications related to spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). We examined the association of RNA modification-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (RNAm-SNPs) with SCAD in summary data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European descent (270 SCAD cases and 5,263 controls). Furthermore, we performed expression quantitative loci (eQTL) and protein quantitative loci (pQTL) analyses for the RNAm-SNPs using publicly available data. Functional enrichment and protein–protein interaction analyses were performed for the identified proteins. We found 11,464 unique RNAm-SNPs in the SCAD GWAS dataset, and 519 were nominally associated with SCAD. Nine RNAm-SNPs were associated with SCAD at p < 0.001, and among them, seven were N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) methylation-related SNPs, one (rs113664950 in HLA-DQB1) was m⁷G-associated SNP, and one [rs580060 in the 3′-UTR of Mitochondrial Ribosomal Protein S21 (MRPS21)] was A-to-I modification SNP. The genome-wide significant SNP rs3818978 (SCAD association p = 5.74 × 10^–10) in the 5′-UTR of MRPS21 was related to m⁶A modification. These nine SNPs all showed eQTL effects, and six of them were associated with circulating protein or metabolite levels. The related protein-coding genes were enriched in specific Gene Ontology (GO) terms such as extracellular space, extracellular region, defense response, lymphocyte migration, receptor binding and cytokine receptor binding, and so on. The present study found the associations between RNAm-SNPs and SCAD. The findings suggested that RNA modification may play functional roles in SCAD.

Long-term clinical outcomes of losartan in patients with Marfan syndrome: follow-up of the multicentre randomized controlled COMPARE trial

AIMS

The COMPARE trial showed a small but significant beneficial effect of 3-year losartan treatment on aortic root dilatation rate in adults with Marfan syndrome (MFS). However, no significant effect was found on clinical endpoints, possibly due to a short follow-up period. The aim of the current study was therefore to investigate the long-term clinical outcomes after losartan treatment.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the original COMPARE study (inclusion 2008-2009), adult patients with MFS (n = 233) were randomly allocated to either the angiotensin-II receptor blocker losartan® on top of regular treatment (β-blockers in 71% of the patients) or no additional medication. After the COMPARE trial period of 3 years, study subjects chose to continue their losartan medication or not. In a median follow-up period of 8 years, 75 patients continued losartan medication, whereas 78 patients, originally allocated to the control group, never used losartan after inclusion. No differences existed between baseline characteristics of the two groups except for age at inclusion [losartan 34 (interquartile range, IQR 26-43) years, control 41 (IQR 30-52) years; P = 0.031], and β-blocker use (losartan 81%, control 64%; P = 0.022). A pathological FBN1 mutation was present in 76% of patients and 58% of the patients were male. Clinical endpoints, defined as all-cause mortality, aortic dissection/rupture, elective aortic root replacement, reoperation, and vascular graft implantation beyond the aortic root, were compared between the two groups. A per-patient composite endpoint was also analysed. Five deaths, 14 aortic dissections, 23 aortic root replacements, 3 reoperations, and 3 vascular graft implantations beyond the aortic root occurred during follow-up. Except for aortic root replacement, all endpoints occurred in patients with an operated aortic root. Patients who used losartan during the entire follow-up period showed a reduced number of events compared to the control group (death: 0 vs. 5, P = 0.014; aortic dissection: 3 vs. 11, P = 0.013; elective aortic root replacement: 10 vs. 13, P = 0.264; reoperation: 1 vs. 2, P = 0.463; vascular graft implantations beyond the aortic root 0 vs. 3, P = 0.071; and composite endpoint: 14 vs. 26, P = 0.019). These results remained similar when corrected for age and β-blocker use in a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest a clinical benefit of combined losartan and β-blocker treatment in patients with MFS.

Tele-Clinic Visits in Pediatric Patients with Marfan Syndrome Using Parentally Acquired Echocardiography

OBJECTIVE

To test feasibility of tele-clinic visits using parentally acquired vital signs and focused echocardiographic images in patients with Marfan syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN

We included patients with Marfan syndrome aged 5-19 years followed in our clinic. We excluded patients with Marfan syndrome and history of previous aortic root (AoR) surgery, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, or AoR ≥4.5 cm. We trained parents in-person to acquire focused echocardiographic images on their children using a hand-held device as well as how to use a stadiometer, scale, blood pressure (BP) machine, and a digital stethoscope. Before tele-clinic visits, parents obtained the echocardiographic images and vital signs. We compared tele-clinic and on-site clinic visit data. Parental and clinic echocardiograms were independently analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifteen patient/parent pairs completed tele-clinic visits, conducted at a median of 7.0 (IQR 3.0-9.9) months from the in-person training session. Parents took a median of 70 (IQR 60-150) minutes to obtain the height, weight, heart rate, BP, cardiac sounds, and echocardiographic images before tele-clinic visits. Systolic BP was greater on-site than at home (median +13 mm Hg, P = .014). Height, weight, diastolic BP, heart rate, and AoR measurements were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides information for implementing tele-clinic visits using parentally acquired vital signs and echocardiographic images in patients with Marfan syndrome. The results show that tele-clinic visits are feasible and that parents were able to obtain focused echocardiographic images on their children.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03581682.

Efficacy of cardiovascular surgery for Marfan syndrome patients: a single-center 15-year follow-up study

Background

Most Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients have thoracic aortic diseases which is the major cause of death. The aim of the study is to analyze the impact of different surgical procedures on prognosis of MFS patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the results of hospitalization and long-term follow-up of MFS patients who underwent surgical intervention in our center.

Results

Of the 135 MFS patients, 11 died during hospitalization (8.1%). There were no statistical differences in in-hospital mortality between the proximal surgery group and the distal surgery group (P=0.11). Compared to patients who underwent proximal aortic surgery, patients who underwent arch and distal surgery were more likely to have postoperative respiratory dysfunction (P=0.008). The type of surgical procedure was not associated with the incidence of complications during hospitalization. Pre-surgical New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification IV (P=0.047), EF <50% (P=0.047), pre-surgical atrial fibrillation (P=0.042), and the injury of dissection propagating onto coronary arteries (P=0.02) were independent risk factors for post-surgical mortality. After 15 years of follow-up, there were no deaths in the David group, while the 15-year survival rate for patients in the Bentall group was 73%±13.5%, and 71%±13.9% for patients in the arch surgery group (P=0.42). The probability of patients in the David group not requiring re-surgery after 15 years was 58.9%±20%, while it was 58.7%±12.1% for patients in the Bentall group, 71.5%±10.5% for patients in the Bentall + Arch group, and 12.5%±11.7% for patients in the Arch + Stent group (P=0.007).

Conclusions

The David procedure was the most beneficial and had the highest long-term patient survival rates.

Presentation, surgical intervention, and long-term survival in patients with Marfan syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) often present with acute catastrophic aortic events at a young age and have a shortened life span. This study examines the impact of presentation and demographics on late survival in patients with MFS.

METHODS

Adults with confirmed MFS in our thoracic aortic center dataset were identified and statistical analysis performed to identify the incidence and predictors of aortic interventions and late mortality.

RESULTS

We identified 301 patients with a MFS initial diagnosis at age 17 years (interquartile range, 4-30 years) with presentation into our thoracic aortic center at 21 years (interquartile range, 8-34 years). The average follow-up in our center was 10 ± 10 years. Clinical features were 41% male, 86% white race, coronary artery disease 28%, hypertension 40%, peripheral vascular disease 19%, and anti-impulse agent in 51% (β-blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker, calcium channel blocker). Distribution of operative aortic pathology was isolated to the ascending aorta (70%) and descending aorta (8%). One hundred seventy-eight patients (59%) required primary aortic surgery (36% emergent). Primary procedures were cardiac (aortic valve/root) in nature in 94%. Seventy-four patients (42%) required multiple aortic procedures at a mean of 9.2 ± 6.9 years, involving the thoracoabdominal aorta in 65%, thoracic aorta in 37%, and abdominal aorta in 21%. Patients who required multiple aortic procedures were more likely (P < .05) to have coronary artery disease (50% vs 30%), and peripheral vascular disease (43% vs 18%). Multiple aortic procedures were also more likely (P < .05) in patients who developed de novo distal dissection (14% vs 0%), had prior dissection (47% vs 18%), or unknown MFS at the time of the initial procedure (27% vs 63%). Multivariable analysis identified prior dissection as an independent predictor of need for emergent surgery (odds ratio, 13.20; 95% confidence interval, 4.64-37.30; P < .05), as well as additional aortic surgery (odds ratio, 4.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.87-10.50; P < .05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed similar 10-year survival with or without aortic interventions (82% with vs 89% without; P = .08). Late survival was decreased in patients undergoing emergent initial procedures (66% vs 89%; P < .01), as well as those undergoing multiple operations (74% vs 86%; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that, in the modern era, the mode of presentation and need for multiple procedures have a detrimental impact on late survival. Additionally, the presence of acute or chronic dissection predicts the need for additional aortic procedures during follow-up.

Genetics of Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Diseases

Dissections or ruptures of aortic aneurysms remain a leading cause of death in the developed world, with the majority of deaths being preventable if individuals at risk are identified and properly managed. Genetic variants predispose individuals to these aortic diseases. In the case of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissections (thoracic aortic disease), genetic data can be used to identify some at-risk individuals and dictate management of the associated vascular disease. For abdominal aortic aneurysms, genetic associations have been identified, which provide insight on the molecular pathogenesis but cannot be used clinically yet to identify individuals at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms. This compendium will discuss our current understanding of the genetic basis of thoracic aortic disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm disease. Although both diseases share several pathogenic similarities, including proteolytic elastic tissue degeneration and smooth muscle dysfunction, they also have several distinct differences, including population prevalence and modes of inheritance.

Treatment experience of thoracic aortic aneurysm recurrence after multiple surgeries for Marfan syndrome: A case report

RATIONALE

Marfan syndrome (MFS), an autosomal dominant hereditary disease, often results in structural and functional abnormalities of the aortic wall. Because of residual aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection, patients with MFS usually need repeat operations after the first operation.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A patient diagnosed with MFS who had undergone 2 surgeries because of abdominal aortic dissection aneurysm and Stanford A type aortic dissection at different times.

DIAGNOSES

MFS.

INTERVENTIONS

Due to aneurysmal dilatation of the residual descending aorta, we performed the third surgery for him through using 2 artificial stent grafts to fix and package the area of the remaining vessel in our hospital.

OUTCOMES

The result was good, and the patient was discharged successfully.

LESSONS

Using artificial material to repair and wrap the area of the residual vessel during the first surgery can provide an anchor area for future endovascular stent implantation and also offer a possibility for stent implantation in patients with MFS.

Successful repair of a popliteal aneurysm with saphenous vein graft in a patient with Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the fibrillin 1 gene (FBN1). This leads to defective elasticity of connective tissue in the arterial wall. Aortic aneurysms and dissections are the most common vascular anomalies; the incidence of peripheral artery aneurysms is not well understood. Treatment options for infrainguinal disease are limited as endovascular interventions are generally contraindicated. The best conduit for arterial reconstruction is also unknown because there is concern that saphenous vein may become aneurysmal. Currently, there are few case reports regarding outcomes of infrainguinal arterial reconstructions, and follow-up has been very short term. We report a rare case of successful repair of a popliteal aneurysm using a saphenous vein graft in a patient with Marfan syndrome.

Thoracic Aortic Stent Grafting in Patients with Connective Tissue Disorders: A Word of Caution

Objective

Use of thoracic Stent-graft in patients with connective tissue disorders (CTD) remains limited. We herein report 3 patients with CTD who underwent stent grafting.

Methods and Results

Case 1; A male Marfan patient was operated for thoraco-abdominal aneurysm. On computed tomography (CT), large false aneurysm at the proximal anastomosis was documented which was excluded with a 30 mm Talent stent-graft with 10–15% oversize. Case 2; A female with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome had undergone resection of descending aortic thoracic aneurysm presented with an enlarging aneurysm distal to the graft. Three Talent stent-grafts (15% oversize) were deployed with balloon dilatation to exclude the aneurysm. The immediate postoperative period was complicated by an extensive intramural hematoma of the descending aorta with hemothorax, managed conservatively. Case 3; A female Marfan patient had undergone Bentall procedure and mitral repair followed with resection of the proximal descending aorta. Three months later a false aneurysm at the distal anastomosis was treated with a 24 mm Valiant stent-graft (30% oversize). Aortic dissection distal to stent was documented on the early postoperative CT. The dissected aneurysm enlarged significantly with a type I distal endoleak during follow-up. Concomitantly, the patient presented a class III dyspnea owing to a severe mitral regurgitation. The patient underwent a successful MVR and stent-graft explantation with replacement of the descending aorta.

Conclusion

Significant complications supervened when stent-grafts were deployed in native aorta. We thus recommend that deploying a stent-graft in a CTD diseased aorta should be considered a relative contraindication. In cases with prohibitive or high risk surgery, use of a stent-graft with minimal radial force and minimal oversizing without balloon dilatation should be considered.

Differences in Cardiovascular Manifestation of Marfan Syndrome Between Children and Adults

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by a broad range of clinical manifestations. Cardiovascular involvement is the most life-threatening aspect of the syndrome. Although abnormalities within the cardiovascular system in adults are well documented, there is still a paucity of data regarding manifestation of MFS in childhood. The aim of the study was to compare cardiovascular manifestation of MFS between children and adults. The study population consisted of 236 patients (144 children and 92 adults), who were referred to our department with suspicion of MFS. All patients underwent complete clinical evaluation in order to confirm the diagnosis of MFS according to the modified Ghent criteria. MFS was diagnosed in 101 (44 children and 57 adults) out of the 236 patients. The other patients were diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, MASS phenotype, ectopia lentis syndrome, marfanoid habitus and other rare syndromes. The most common cardiovascular abnormality was aortic root dilatation (81.19% of patients). It was found that both adults and children had similar high rates of aortic root dilatation. Similarly, there was no significant difference with regard to the prevalence of aortic valve regurgitation and mitral valve prolapse among children and adults. These findings equivocally indicate that the aforementioned abnormalities develop in early childhood, therefore, they may be used in the early identification of patients with MFS. Other assessed abnormalities, which included mitral valve regurgitation, pulmonary artery dilation, aneurysms of aortic arch, descending thoracic aorta and abdominal aorta were found mostly in adults, and thus, are of less use in the early detection of MFS.

Pregnancy after Aortic Root Replacement in Marfan's Syndrome: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Objectives  We sought to characterize pregnancy-related aortic complications in women with Marfan's syndrome who had prior aortic root replacement. Study Design  This is a retrospective case series study and literature review of women with Marfan's syndrome with pregnancy after aortic root replacement. We surveyed women with Marfan's syndrome who had successful pregnancy after aortic root replacement using the Marfan Foundation Website and from two large tertiary care Marfan's clinics. Clinical data, counseling information, and details of pregnancy-related aortic complications were compiled. A literature review was performed assessing aortic outcomes in women with Marfan's syndrome with pregnancy after aortic surgery. Results  Fourteen women with 20 pregnancies were identified. Two women had three pregnancies following root replacement for aortic dissection. There were no aortic dissections during the 20 pregnancies. In contrast, aortic dissection was frequently reported in the literature. Conclusions  Women with Marfan's syndrome who become pregnant following aortic root replacement remain at risk for distal aortic dissection related to pregnancy. The exact risk is difficult to quantify but is not zero and women should be counseled accordingly.

Aortic dilatation in Marfan syndrome: role of arterial stiffness and fibrillin-1 variants

OBJECTIVE

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by aortic root dilation and dissection and an abnormal fibrillin-1 synthesis. In this observational study, we evaluated aortic stiffness in MFS and its association with ascending aorta diameters and fibrillin-1 genotype.

METHODS

A total of 116 Marfan adult patients without history of cardiovascular surgery, and 144 age, sex, blood pressure and heart rate matched controls were enrolled. All patients underwent arterial stiffness evaluation through carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central blood pressure waveform analysis (PulsePen tonometer). Fibrillin-1 mutations were classified based on the effect on the protein, into 'dominant negative' and 'haploinsufficient' mutations.

RESULTS

PWV and central pulse pressure were significantly higher in MFS patients than in controls [respectively 7.31 (6.81-7.44) vs. 6.69 (6.52-6.86) m/s, P = 0.0008; 41.3 (39.1-43.5) vs. 34.0 (32.7-35.3) mmHg, P < 0.0001], with a higher age-related increase of PWV in MFS (β 0.062 vs. 0.036). Pressure amplification was significantly reduced in MFS [18.2 (15.9-20.5) vs. 33.4 (31.6-35.2)%, P < 0.0001]. Central pressure profile was altered even in MFS patients without aortic dilatation. Multiple linear regression models showed that PWV independently predicted aortic diameters at the sinuses of Valsalva (ß = 0.243, P = 0.002) and at the sinotubular junction (ß = 0.186, P = 0.048). PWV was higher in 'dominant negative' than 'haploinsufficient' fibrillin-1 mutations [7.37 (7.04-7.70) vs. 6.60 (5.97-7.23) m/s, P = 0.035], although this difference was not significant after adjustment.

CONCLUSION

Aortic stiffness is increased in MFS, independently from fibrillin-1 genotype and is associated with diameters of ascending aorta. Alterations in central hemodynamics are present even when aortic diameter is within normal limits. Our findings suggest an accelerated arterial aging in MFS.

Total arch replacement and frozen elephant trunk for type A aortic dissection after Bentall procedure in Marfan syndrome

Background

We seek to report the long-term outcomes of the total arch replacement and frozen elephant trunk (TAR + FET) technique for type A aortic dissection (TAAD) following prior Bentall procedure in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS).

Methods

Between 2003 and 2015, we performed TAR + FET for 26 patients with MFS who developed TAAD following a prior Bentall procedure. Mean age at FET 36.9±9.7 years and 24 were males. TAAD was acute in 8 (30.8%, all new dissections from precious root aneurysm) and chronic in 18 (69.2%, 15 residual and 3 new). The interval from Bentall procedure to FET averaged 6.4±5.8 years, which was significantly longer in the acute group (10.3±6.3 vs. 4.6±4.9, P=0.021). The early and long-term outcomes were compared between two groups and risk factors identified for late adverse events.

Results

Operative mortality was 11.5% (3/26). Stroke, lower limb ischemia and reexploration for bleeding occurred in 1 patient each (3.8%). Follow-up was complete in 100% (23/23) at mean 5.1±2.3 years (range, 0.9-11.2 years). The maximal diameter (DMax) of distal aorta in the chronic group was significantly greater at the unstented descending aorta [DA, (56.4±15.5 vs. 35.6±12.2 mm, P=0.006)] compared to acute patients. The false lumen was obliterated in 95.7% across the FET and 56.5% in the unstented DA. Distal aortic dilation occurred in 13 patients (11 chronic, 68.8%). Of those 11 patients, 4 underwent an open thoracoabdominal aortic repair and 3 died of distal aortic rupture. Late death occurred in 7 patients at mean 3.9±2.5 years. At 6 years, the incidence was 18% for death, 11% for distal aortic reoperation, and 71% for reoperation-free survival. Survival did not differ between two groups (75.0% vs. 71.3%, P=0.851), while acute patients had significantly higher freedom from late rupture and reoperation at 6 years (100% vs. 61.9%, P=0.046). Hypertension was the sole risk factor for distal aortic dilatation [hazard ratio (HR) =7.271; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.814-29.143; P=0.005]. Risk factors for late adverse events were hypertension (HR =6.712; 95% CI, 1.201-37.503; P=0.030) and age <35 years (HR =6.760; 95% CI, 1.154-39.587; P=0.034).

Conclusions

The TAR and FET technique was feasible and efficacious for TAAD following previous Bentall procedure in patients with MFS. Early and late survival did not differ with acute and chronic dissections, while freedom from late rupture and reoperation is significantly higher in patients with acute TAAD. Patients with hypertension and aged <35 years are at higher risk for late distal aortic dilation, reoperation and death.

Impact of connective tissue disease on the surgical outcomes of aortic dissection in patients with cystic medial necrosis

Background

A retrospective analysis was performed to determine the impact of genetically diagnosed connective tissue disease (CTD) on the early and late outcomes of surgical treatment for aortic dissection in patients having aortic pathology associated with cystic medial necrosis (CMN).

Methods

Between 2003 and 2013, a total of 43 patients (37 ± 12.8 years old, 23 men, 20 women) who had undergone surgery for aortic dissection associated with CMN in the aortic wall underwent genetic examinations. Subsequently, there were 30 patients with CTD (CTD group) and 13 without CTD (non-CTD group).

Results

There were no early or late deaths (the follow-up rate was 100% for 57.1 ± 43.0 months). The median age was significantly lower in the CTD group (p = 0.030). The rate of elastic fiber loss was significantly higher in the CTD group (p = 0.014). In the long-term follow-up, there were no significant differences in the incidences of re-dissection (p = 0.332). However, re-operations were required more frequently in the CTD group (p = 0.037).

Conclusions

In patients with CTD as well as CMN, the onset of aortic dissection tends to be earlier, which would result in higher rates of re-operation, compared with the non-CTD group. Closer and stricter follow-up with medication and adequate surgical treatments with appropriate timing are mandatory for such high-risk patients.

Re-interventions on the thoracic and thoracoabdominal aorta in patients with Marfan syndrome

The advent of multi-gene panel genetic testing and the discovery of new syndromic and non-syndromic forms of connective tissue disorders have established thoracic aortic aneurysms as a genetically mediated disease. Surgical results in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) provide an important benchmark for this patient population. Prophylactic aortic root surgery prevents acute dissection and has contributed to the improved survival of MFS patients. In the majority of patients, re-interventions are driven by a history of dissection. Patients undergoing elective root repair have a low risk for re-interventions on the root itself. Experienced centers have results after valve-sparing procedures at 10 years comparable with those seen after a modified Bentall procedure. In patients where only the ascending aorta was replaced during the initial surgery, re-intervention rates are high as the root continues to dilate. The fate of the aortic arch in MFS patients presenting with dissection is strongly correlated with the extent of the initial surgery. Not replacing the entire ascending aorta and proximal aortic arch results in a high rate of re-interventions. Nevertheless, the additional burden of replacing the entire aortic arch during emergent proximal repair is not very well defined and makes comparisons with patients undergoing elective arch replacement difficult. Interestingly, replacing the entire aortic arch during initial surgery for acute dissection does not protect from re-interventions on downstream aortic segments. MFS patients suffering from type B dissection have a high risk for re-interventions ultimately leading up to replacement of the entire thoracoabdominal aorta even if the dissection was deemed uncomplicated by conventional criteria. While current guidelines do not recommend the implantation of stent grafts in MFS patients, implantation of a frozen-elephant-trunk to create a stable proximal landing zone for future endovascular or open procedures has emerged as a means to address aortic arch and descending aortic pathologies.

Sex, pregnancy and aortic disease in Marfan syndrome

Background

Sex-related differences as well as the adverse effect of pregnancy on aortic disease outcome are well-established phenomena in humans with Marfan syndrome (MFS). The underlying mechanisms of these observations are largely unknown.

Objectives

In an initial (pilot) step we aimed to confirm the differences between male and female MFS patients as well as between females with and without previous pregnancy. We then sought to evaluate whether these findings are recapitulated in a pre-clinical model and performed in-depth cardiovascular phenotyping of mutant male and both nulliparous and multiparous female Marfan mice. The effect of 17β-estradiol on fibrillin-1 protein synthesis was compared in vitro using human aortic smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts.

Results

Our small retrospective study of aortic dimensions in a cohort of 10 men and 20 women with MFS (10 pregnant and 10 non-pregnant) confirmed that aortic root growth was significantly increased in the pregnant group compared to the non-pregnant group (0.64mm/year vs. 0.12mm/year, p = 0.018). Male MFS patients had significantly larger aortic root diameters compared to the non-pregnant and pregnant females at baseline and follow-up (p = 0.002 and p = 0.007, respectively), but no significant increase in aortic root growth was observed compared to the females after follow-up (p = 0.559 and p = 0.352). In the GT-8/+ MFS mouse model, multiparous female Marfan mice showed increased aortic diameters when compared to nulliparous females. Aortic dilatation in multiparous females was comparable to Marfan male mice. Moreover, increased aortic diameters were associated with more severe fragmentation of the elastic lamellae. In addition, 17β-estradiol was found to promote fibrillin-1 production by human aortic smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions

Pregnancy-related changes influence aortic disease severity in otherwise protected female MFS mice and patients. There may be a role for estrogen in the female sex protective effect.

Consensus Document of the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO), Italian Society of Pediatric Cardiology (SICP), and Italian Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetrics (SIGO): pregnancy and congenital heart diseases

The success of cardiac surgery over the past 50 years has increased numbers and median age of survivors with congenital heart disease (CHD). Adults now represent two-thirds of patients with CHD; in the USA alone the number is estimated to exceed 1 million. In this population, many affected women reach reproductive age and wish to have children. While in many CHD patients pregnancy can be accomplished successfully, some special situations with complex anatomy, iatrogenic or residual pathology are associated with an increased risk of severe maternal and fetal complications. Pre-conception counselling allows women to come to truly informed choices. Risk stratification tools can also help high-risk women to eventually renounce to pregnancy and to adopt safe contraception options. Once pregnant, women identified as intermediate or high risk should receive multidisciplinary care involving a cardiologist, an obstetrician and an anesthesiologist with specific expertise in managing this peculiar medical challenge. This document is intended to provide cardiologists working in hospitals where an Obstetrics and Gynecology Department is available with a streamlined and practical tool, useful for them to select the best management strategies to deal with a woman affected by CHD who desires to plan pregnancy or is already pregnant.

Altered aortic 3D hemodynamics and geometry in pediatric Marfan syndrome patients

BACKGROUND

Blood flow dynamics make it possible to better understand the development of aortopathy and cardiovascular events in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS). Aortic 3D blood flow characteristics were investigated in relation to aortic geometry in children and adolescents with MFS.

METHODS

Twenty-five MFS patients (age 15.6 ± 4.0 years; 11 females) and 21 healthy controls (age 16.0 ± 2.6 years; 12 females) underwent magnetic resonance angiography and 4D flow CMR for assessment of thoracic aortic size and 3D blood flow velocities. Data analysis included calculation of aortic diameter and BSA-indexed aortic dimensions (Z-score) along the thoracic aorta, 3D mean systolic wall shear stress (WSSmean) in ten aortic segments and assessment of aortic blood flow patterns.

RESULTS

Aortic root (root), ascending (AAo) and descending (DAo) aortic size was significantly larger in MFS patients than healthy controls (Root Z-score: 3.56 ± 1.45 vs 0.49 ± 0.78, p < 0.001; AAo Z-score 0.21 ± 0.95 vs -0.54 ± 0.64, p = 0.004; proximal DAo Z-score 2.02 ± 1.60 vs 0.56 ± 0.66, p < 0.001). A regional variation in prevalence and severity of flow patterns (vortex and helix flow patterns) was observed, with the aortic root and the proximal DAo (pDAo) being more frequently affected in MFS. MFS patients had significantly reduced WSSmean in the proximal AAo (pAAo) outer segment (0.65 ± 0.12 vs. 0.73 ± 0.14 Pa, p = 0.029) and pDAo inner segment (0.74 ± 0.17 vs. 0.87 ± 0.21 Pa, p = 0.021), as well as higher WSSmean in the inner segment of the distal AAo (0.94 ± 0.14 vs. 0.84 ± 0.15 Pa, p = 0.036) compared to healthy subjects. An inverse relationship existed between pDAo WSSmean and both pDAo diameter (R = -0.53, p < 0.001) and % diameter change along the pDAo segment (R = -0.64, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MFS children and young adults have altered aortic flow patterns and differences in aortic WSS that were most pronounced in the pAAo and pDAo, segments where aortic dissection or rupture often originate. The presence of vortex flow patterns and abnormal WSS correlated with regional size of the pDAo and are potentially valuable additional markers of disease severity.