| Annuloaortic Ectasia
The Common Vein Copyright 2007 Ashley Davidoff MD Jessica Humphries Definition Annuloaortic ectasia is an idiopathic disease characterized by the dilation of the proximal aorta and aortic annulus. The likely causes of annuloaortic ectasia are abnormalities in collagen cross-linking or in elastic tissues. The results of this disease are aortic regurgitation, thoracic aortic dissection, aneurysm, and rupture. The most common diagnostic procedures for annuloaortic ectasia is echocardiography. This disease is usually treated with corrective surgery, involving replacement of the aortic valve, resection of the aneurysmal aorta, and re-implantation of the coronary arteries. Statistics 5-10% of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for pure aortic regurgitation have annuloaortic ectasia. Causative Factors Probably due to abnormalities in collagen cross-linking or elastic tissue Classic Marfan syndrome Some overlying features of Marfan M:F 2-8:1 4th to 6th decade Diagnosis
Clinical Marfan’s syndrome or Marfanoid features May have features of aortic regurgitation or acute aortic dissection RX Surgical correction involves replacement of the aortic valve and resection of the aneurysmal aorta with reimplantation of the coronary arteries |
Annuloaortic Ectasia with Severe Aortic Regurgitation – Marfan’s Syndrome