Comparison of aortic dissection in patients with and without Marfan's syndrome (Results from the international registry of aortic dissection)

Among 1,049 patients diagnosed with aortic dissection in a multinational registry, patients with Marfan's syndrome were typically younger and had unique presentations. Despite their younger age at presentation, patients with Marfan's syndrome and aortic dissection had a high mortality rate, similar to patients without Marfan's syndrome, an older patient cohort. Our data support the importance of aneurysm surveillance and prophylactic surgical intervention for patients with Marfan's syndrome to potentially reduce the risk of mortality. (C)2004 by Excerpta Medica, Inc.