Aortic dissection in a 14-year-old female patient with previously undiagnosed Marfan syndrome

Case report. We report on the case of a 14-year-old female patient who initially attracted attention by dyspnea and retrosternal pain. An echocardiographic examination revealed aortic dissection of the ascending aorta. She succesfully underwent an operative therapy. In spite of some typical symptomes the diagnosis marfan syndrome hadn't been made before. Discussion. The dissection of the aorta with imminent rupture, a serious complication of the marfan syndrome, can be observed in some rare cases already in childhood. The diagnosis should be considered whenever signs of a marfan syndrome are present and appropriate diagnostic measures should be initiated.