Which cardiac finding is most commonly associated with Marfan syndrome?

Which cardiac finding is most commonly associated with Marfan syndrome?

• A. Mitral stenosis
• B. Pulmonary embolism
• C. Aortic root dilation leading to aortic insufficiency.
• D. Coronary artery aneurysm

Answer: (C)

In Marfan syndrome, a defect in the connective tissue of the aortic media leads to cystic medial degeneration, which most prominently causes dilation of the aortic root. When the aortic root enlarges, the aortic valve annulus stretches and cannot close properly during diastole, producing aortic insufficiency (aortic regurgitation). This combination—dilated aortic root with resulting regurgitation—is the cardiovascular feature most strongly associated with Marfan. Mitral valve issues can occur in Marfan as well (often mitral valve prolapse or regurgitation), but mitral stenosis is not typical. Pulmonary embolism and coronary artery aneurysm are not characteristic findings of Marfan syndrome.

In Marfan syndrome, a defect in the connective tissue of the aortic media leads to cystic medial degeneration, which most prominently causes dilation of the aortic root. When the aortic root enlarges, the aortic valve annulus stretches and cannot close properly during diastole, producing aortic insufficiency (aortic regurgitation). This combination—dilated aortic root with resulting regurgitation—is the cardiovascular feature most strongly associated with Marfan.

Mitral valve issues can occur in Marfan as well (often mitral valve prolapse or regurgitation), but mitral stenosis is not typical. Pulmonary embolism and coronary artery aneurysm are not characteristic findings of Marfan syndrome.