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STATE-OF-THE-ART PAPER

The Dilated Aorta in Patients With Congenital Cardiac Defects

Anji T. Yetman, MD, FACC^_*,_* and Thomas Graham, MD, FACC

^_* Adult Congenital Cardiology Program, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Primary Children's Medical Center, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee

Manuscript received June 5, 2008; revised manuscript received October 21, 2008, accepted October 26, 2008.

^_* Reprint requests and correspondence: Dr. Anji T. Yetman, Professor of Pediatrics, Adjunct Professor, Medicine, Director, Marfan Cardiology Program, Director, Adult Congenital Cardiology Program, University of Utah, Primary Children's Medical Center, 100 N. Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108 (Email: Angela.Yetman{at}imail.org).

Many patients with congenital cardiac disease are at risk for progressive aortic dilation. The mechanisms underlying aortic dilation in this patient cohort are described, and the similarities to the pathophysiologic alterations seen in Marfan syndrome are highlighted. Indications for treatment are discussed.

Key Words: aneurysm • aorta • dissection

Abbreviations and Acronyms   ACE = angiotensin-converting enzyme   BAV = bicuspid aortic valve   MMP = matrix metalloproteinase   TGF = transforming growth factor   TIMP = tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase

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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 2009 53: A26. [Full Text] [PDF]