Marfan's syndrome and multiple extracranial aneurysms

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Neurology
• Genetics

Background:

• Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, predisposing individuals to aortic and arterial aneurysms.
• Extracranial cervical artery aneurysms in Marfan syndrome are typically extensions of aortic dissections.
• Isolated, spontaneous aneurysms of extracranial arteries are rare in Marfan syndrome and usually asymptomatic.

Observation:

• A patient with Marfan syndrome presented with symptoms of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
• Diagnostic imaging revealed a saccular aneurysm of the vertebral artery.
• Bilateral fusiform aneurysms of the internal carotid arteries were also identified.

Findings:

• This case reports the first instance of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) associated with isolated extracranial arterial aneurysms in a patient with Marfan syndrome.
• The findings include multiple aneurysms: one saccular vertebral artery aneurysm and bilateral fusiform internal carotid artery aneurysms.
• This presentation challenges the notion that isolated extracranial aneurysms in Marfan syndrome are invariably asymptomatic.

Implications:

• The study suggests a potential link between isolated extracranial arterial aneurysms and neurological events like TIAs in Marfan syndrome patients.
• Early detection and monitoring of extracranial arterial aneurysms may be crucial in managing Marfan syndrome.
• Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and clinical significance of these rare arterial manifestations in Marfan syndrome.