Nieprawidłowości w układzie sercowo-naczyniowym u dzieci z zespołem Marfana

The aim of our study was to asses prevalence of cardiac changes in 10 children and adolescents with recognized Marfan syndrome. None of the patients had normal echocardiogram. The most frequent and most dangerous type of cardiac pathology was aortic root dilatation (9 of 10 examined patients). In 8 children we found mitral valve prolapse, usually with small regurgitation. Abnormalities of aortic valve were present in 6 patients. Bicuspid pulmonary valve or dilated annulus of this valve we obserwed less frequently, only in 3 children. Authors suggest that all patients with Marfan syndrome need regular clinical and echocardiographic examinations and measurements of blood pressure. The children with aortic enlargement should be treated with beta-blockers. In the presence of valvular abnormalities prophylaxis of infectious endocarditis is necesssary. Some patients need cardiac surgery.