Marfan syndrome is a genetic disease, the best recognised aetiology of ascending aortic aneurysm. Because of its genetic nature, familial screening is crucial to diagnose the disease before complications have occurred. Regular follow-up with echocardiography should allow timely surgery for aortic root replacement, ideally using a valve-sparing procedure. Beta-blockage and avoidance of violent sports are the mainstay of medical therapy and may delay surgery or even avoid it in some patients. Medical therapy and close follow-up should be maintained after surgery in all patients. Blood pressure control and close follow-up is of upmost importance in patients with persistent dissection of the descending thoracic aorta.

Olivier Milleron

Papers

Medical Aspect of the Aortic Diseases: the Follow-Up and Its Warnings