The Children's Heart Institute - Hasan Abdallah, M.D.Patient Education
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What is Marfan Syndrome? | Abnormalities: Heart : Skeletal : Eye : Other
Causes | Risks | Management | Surgery

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Marfan Syndrome Risks: Aortic Dissection

The slide show animation below shows an additional outcome to aortic dissection. (An aortic dissection is a tear in the inner layer of the aortic wall.)
   


What are the symptoms of an Aortic Dissection?

  • Severe chest pains (front, back or both)
  • Looking pale due to internal blood loss
  • Weakness and paralysis
  • Fainting
  • Severe sudden abdominal pains
  • Fever
   

What increases the risk of a patient with Marfan
syndrome to have dissection?

  • Family history of aortic dissections or sudden death due to Marfan.
  • An aorta of 5-6 cm (Dilated aortic root), as the aortic wall has been thinned and stretched, and is at risk for further dilation and rupture.
   


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 Next on the tour we will discuss how to manage Marfan Syndrome.

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