Cardiomyopathy in Genetic Aortic Diseases

Laura Muiño-Mosquera1,2, Julie De Backer2,3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.

Insights

Genetic aortic diseases involve aortic aneurysms or dissection due to genetic defects. This review focuses on myocardial disease and arrhythmias in Marfan syndrome, a key genetic aortic condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Genetics
  • Thoracic Aortic Disease
  • Connective Tissue Disorders

Background:

  • Genetic aortic diseases, including Marfan syndrome, are linked to aortic aneurysms and dissection, posing significant mortality risks.
  • These conditions are part of heritable thoracic aortic disease, encompassing cases with family history but unidentified genetic causes.
  • Aortic valve and atrioventricular valve abnormalities are common, necessitating vigilant management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current data on myocardial disease in Marfan syndrome using human studies and mouse models.
  • To elaborate on the phenotypic presentations of Marfan syndrome in pediatric and adult populations.
  • To discuss the occurrence and implications of arrhythmias in Marfan syndrome and briefly touch upon other genetic aortic diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of human studies investigating myocardial disease in Marfan syndrome.
  • Analysis of insights from mouse models of Marfan syndrome.
  • Synthesis of clinical data on phenotypic presentations and arrhythmias.

Main Results:

  • Fibrillin-1 variants in Marfan syndrome are associated with myocardial dysfunction and arrhythmias.
  • Phenotypic manifestations vary between childhood and adulthood.
  • Arrhythmias contribute to morbidity and mortality in Marfan syndrome patients.

Conclusions:

  • Myocardial involvement and arrhythmias are significant clinical concerns in Marfan syndrome.
  • Understanding these manifestations is crucial for patient management and prognosis.
  • Further research into other genetic aortic diseases is warranted.

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