Which cardiac finding is most commonly associated with Marfan syndrome?

Which cardiac finding is most commonly associated with Marfan syndrome?

• A. Aorta abnormalities
• B. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• C. Mitral valve prolapse
• D. Myocarditis

Answer: (A)

Marfan syndrome weakens the connective tissue in the walls of large arteries, especially the aorta. This predisposes the aorta to dilation of the root and ascending portion, which can lead to aneurysm and, more dangerously, dissection. Because this aortic involvement is a defining and most clinically important cardiac change in Marfan, the finding of aorta abnormalities is the best choice. Mitral valve prolapse can occur due to tissue laxity, but it’s not as characteristic or as central to Marfan as aortic dilation. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and myocarditis are not typically linked to the syndrome.

Marfan syndrome weakens the connective tissue in the walls of large arteries, especially the aorta. This predisposes the aorta to dilation of the root and ascending portion, which can lead to aneurysm and, more dangerously, dissection. Because this aortic involvement is a defining and most clinically important cardiac change in Marfan, the finding of aorta abnormalities is the best choice.

Mitral valve prolapse can occur due to tissue laxity, but it’s not as characteristic or as central to Marfan as aortic dilation. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and myocarditis are not typically linked to the syndrome.