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Aortic root dilatation in Marfan's syndrome: a contribution from obstructive sleep apnea?
P A Cistulli1, I Wilcox, R Jeremy
1Sleep Disorders Centre, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Chest
|June 1, 1997
Summary
This study presents two Marfan syndrome cases with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Nasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment showed reduced aortic root dilatation, suggesting OSA may worsen this Marfan complication.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, leading to aortic root dilatation.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated airway collapse.
Observation:
- Two patients with Marfan syndrome were diagnosed with coexistent obstructive sleep apnea.
- These patients received nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for OSA.
Findings:
- Treatment with nasal CPAP was associated with a notable attenuation of aortic root dilatation in both cases.
- This suggests a potential link between OSA and the progression of aortic complications in Marfan syndrome.
Implications:
- Nasal CPAP therapy may be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for Marfan syndrome patients with OSA.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms by which OSA exacerbates aortic dilatation in Marfan syndrome.