Familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection associated with Marfan-related gene mutations: case report of a family with two gene mutations

Structural and functional failure of fibrillin‑1 in human diseases (Review)

Fibrillins (FBNs) are key relay molecules that form the backbone of microfibrils in elastic and non‑elastic tissues. Interacting with other components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), these ubiquitous glycoproteins exert pivotal roles in tissue development, homeostasis and repair. In addition to mechanical support, FBN networks also exhibit regulatory activities on growth factor signalling, ECM formation, cell behaviour and the immune response. Consequently, mutations affecting the structure, assembly and stability of FBN microfibrils have been associated with impaired biomechanical tissue properties, altered cell‑matrix interactions, uncontrolled growth factor or cytokine activation, and the development of fibrillinopathies and associated severe complications in multiple organs. Beyond a panoramic overview of structural cues of the FBN network, the present review will also describe the pathological implications of FBN disorders in the development of inflammatory and fibrotic conditions.

Aortic dissection during pregnancy: a difficult clinical scenario

Aortic dissection (AoD) during pregnancy is a rare but lethal condition and highlights the need for extensive elucidation. The aim of this study is to reveal the risk factors for AoD during pregnancy and to compare the 2 main risk factors, Marfan syndrome and pregnancy itself in the previously healthy woman. The pregnant patients developed AoD at 31.7 ± 7.6 weeks of gestation. It occurred much earlier in the Marfan patients than in the previously healthy women (30.7 ± 8.6 weeks of gestation vs 34.4 ± 4.4 weeks of gestation, P = 0.0263). In the Marfan patients, AoD developed in 3 (3.2%), 15 (15.8%), and 43 (46.3%) patients in the 3 trimesters, respectively, compared with 31 of the previously healthy women, and only in the third trimester. The neonates of the Marfan patients had better Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes, lower intubation rates, and fewer stays in the neonatal intensive care unit than those of the previously healthy women. Marfan syndrome and pregnancy itself in the previously healthy woman were the 2 main risk factors responsible for the occurrence of AoD during pregnancy. Marfan patients may develop AoD at an early age and an early stage of pregnancy, probably due to the preexisting weakened aortic wall. Better outcomes for the surviving neonates of Marfan patients compared with neonates of the previously healthy women might be the result of the poor condition of Marfan patients causing a higher death rate for those fetuses.

Prenatal complex congenital heart disease with Loeys-Dietz syndrome

We report an infantile case of Loeys-Dietz syndrome prenatally diagnosed with congenital complex heart disease - double outlet right ventricle and interruption of the aortic arch. The patient also showed prominent dilatation of the main pulmonary artery. Emergency bilateral pulmonary artery banding was performed on the 9th day. However, on the 21st day, the patient died of massive bleeding due to rupture of the right pulmonary artery. Subsequently, a mutation of the TGFBR1 gene was detected. As cardiovascular lesions of Loeys-Dietz syndrome appear early and progress rapidly, the prognosis is generally poor. Patients require periodic examination and early intervention with medical therapy such as Losartan administration and surgical therapy. Early genetic screening is thought to be useful for the prediction of complications as well as vascular disease.