Advances in Cardiovascular Multimodality Imaging in Patients with Marfan Syndrome

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging
• Genetics

Background:

• Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a genetic connective tissue disorder.
• Cardiovascular complications, including aortic aneurysms and mitral valve prolapse, are common in MFS.
• Effective management necessitates precise diagnosis and monitoring of these cardiovascular issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in cardiovascular multimodality imaging for Marfan syndrome.
• To highlight the role of various imaging techniques in MFS patient care.
• To emphasize the impact of comprehensive imaging on early detection and management of cardiovascular complications.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), cardiac computed tomography (CCT), and nuclear medicine in MFS.
• Analysis of the diagnostic and monitoring capabilities of each imaging modality.
• Discussion of emerging multimodality imaging approaches.

Main Results:

• Echocardiography is the primary tool for assessing aortic root, mitral valve, and cardiac function in MFS.
• CMR offers detailed, radiation-free anatomical and functional assessment, ideal for MFS follow-up.
• CCT provides high-resolution aortic imaging for surgical planning, while nuclear medicine shows potential for evaluating myocardial involvement.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive, multimodality imaging approach is crucial for optimizing outcomes in Marfan syndrome patients.
• Advanced imaging techniques facilitate early detection and guide interventions for cardiovascular complications in MFS.
• Integrating various imaging modalities enhances the management and prognosis of individuals with Marfan syndrome.