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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement
Published on: December 11, 2017
Successful aortic reimplantation in a three-year-old child with Marfan syndrome
Yoshinori Miyahara1, Shingo Kasahara, Masami Takagaki
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan. giten@fd5.so-net.ne.jp
Abstract:
Aortic root dilatation is rare in children, and is often secondary to Marfan syndrome (MFS). We experienced a case of a three-year-old boy (92 cm, 12 kg) with MFS presenting with progressive dilatation of aortic root. We electively performed a valve-sparing aortic root replacement using a 24-mm Gelweave Valsalva graft. Although the patient required a mitral valve repair due to infective endocarditis postoperatively, the recovery from the second surgery was uneventful. This case is one of the youngest children of valve-sparing aortic root replacement in the literature.
Insights
This study reports on a rare case of Marfan syndrome (MFS) in a three-year-old boy with progressive aortic root dilatation. The successful valve-sparing aortic root replacement highlights a viable surgical option for pediatric MFS patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Genetics
Background:
- Aortic root dilatation in children is uncommon and frequently associated with Marfan syndrome (MFS).
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing MFS complications.
- Surgical options for pediatric aortic root dilatation are limited.
Observation:
- A three-year-old boy diagnosed with Marfan syndrome presented with progressive aortic root dilatation.
- The patient's measurements were 92 cm in height and 12 kg in weight.
- The case highlights the challenges of managing aortic root disease in very young children.
Findings:
- A valve-sparing aortic root replacement was successfully performed using a 24-mm Gelweave Valsalva graft.
- The patient experienced a postoperative complication of infective endocarditis requiring mitral valve repair.
- Recovery from the second surgery was uneventful, demonstrating resilience.
Implications:
- This case represents one of the youngest pediatric patients to undergo valve-sparing aortic root replacement.
- The findings suggest that valve-sparing aortic root replacement is a feasible option in select pediatric Marfan syndrome cases.
- Further research is warranted to establish long-term outcomes and refine surgical techniques for this population.
