Publication
Title
The Loeys-Dietz syndrome: an update for the clinician
Author
Abstract
Purpose of review Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) dissection is an important cause of death in the western world. Especially in young adults, the genetic contribution to this disease is estimated to be high, as at least one out of five probands has a positive family history for aortic aneurysms/dissections. In recent years, major progress has been made in the identification of several genes underlying both syndromic and nonsyndromic forms of TAA. Recent findings This review will focus on the current knowledge of a recently discovered syndromic form of TAA, namely the Loeys-Dietz syndrome or LDS. Summary LDS is caused by mutation in the genes encoding the transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 and 2 (TGFBR1 and TGFRB2) and is characterized by aggressive aortic/arterial disease. The clinical characteristics, molecular findings and pathophysiological mechanisms are summarized. The discovery of this entity has confirmed a key role for transforming growth factor beta signaling in aortic aneurysmal disease. Study of the natural history of this condition has revealed important lessons. The arterial disease is widespread and can involve all aortic segments and major branching arteries, necessitating cardiovascular imaging beyond the aortic root segment. Moreover, dissections occur at smaller diameters than in Marfan syndrome, leading to earlier surgery at smaller aortic diameters. Current surgical experience with LDS is excellent, offering a good long-term prognosis with timely identification of the disease.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Current opinion in cardiology. - London, 1986, currens
Publication
Philadelphia : Lippincott williams & wilkins , 2010
ISSN
0268-4705
DOI
10.1097/HCO.0B013E32833F0220
Volume/pages
25 :6 (2010) , p. 546-551
ISI
000282946000003
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 05.11.2018
Last edited 24.01.2023
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