pregnancy and Marfan's syndrome
Last reviewed 01/2018
- pregnancy is associated with increased susceptibility to aortic dissection especially in the last trimester and for 6 months postpartum, with at least 10% risk once the aortic root diameter is over 4.2 cm
- echocardiogram surveillance at 6 weekly intervals together with beta-blocker medication is recommended
- risk of aortic dissection is reduced by pre-pregnancy elective aortic root replacement if root enlargement is above 4.5 cm
Reference:
- BHF Factfile (November 2009). Marfan syndrome.