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Cardiovascular involvement and outcomes in Marfan syndrome: new observations on evolving aortic risk associations in a single-center cohort from Poland

Agnieszka M. Żebrowska, Przemysław Chmielewski, Ilona Kowalik, Joanna K. Ponińska, Maciej K. Michałowski, Ewa Michalak, Krzysztof Jaworski, Michalina Krych, Elżbieta Ciara, Ilona Michałowska, Rafał Płoski, Zofia T. Bilińska
DOI: 10.20452/pamw.17347
Published online: July 09, 2026
CCBYCC BY 4.0

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Abstract

Introduction: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder with aortic dilatation driving morbidity and mortality.

Objectives: To characterize cardiovascular profile, outcomes, and factors associated with the lifetime risk of thoracic aortic events (TAE) in a contemporary MFS cohort.

Patients and methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from MFS patients diagnosed based on revised Ghent criteria and followed for a median 6.8 (IQR 3–10) years at our tertiary center.

Results: The cohort comprised 151 patients (104 probands, median age 32 years, 58% female). Aortic root involvement was present in 95% patients, a positive family history in 69%, a systemic score of ≥7 points in 61%, and ectopia lentis in 36%. Among patients with identified FBN1 variants, 60% carried dominant‑negative and 40% haploinsufficiency variants, 27% variants were novel. Overall, 107 TAE occurred in 85 (56%) patients. The first TAE (median age 33 years) comprised 60 elective operations and 25 aortic dissections; 19 in previously undiagnosed individuals. TAE‑free survival was shorter in men and in patients with high systemic score, mainly before age 35, whereas later haploinsufficiency variants were associated with TAE. A second TAE developed in 18 (21%) patients and was more frequent after dissection than elective surgery (HR 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–7.1, P = 0.01). Mitral valve surgery was performed in 13% of patients.

Conclusions: The majority of MFS patients experienced a TAE. The association of TAE risk with factors, such as male gender, extra‑aortic features, and FBN1 variant type, varies with age group.

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