Growth Rate Assessed by Vascular Deformation Mapping predicts Type B Aortic Dissection in Marfan Syndrome.

Summary: For patients with Marfan syndrome, the main blood vessel (the aorta) is prone to dangerous tearing, known as dissection. Traditionally, doctors measure the width of the aorta to estimate this risk; if it gets too wide, surgery is recommended. However, a new study reveals that the speed at which the aorta grows and stretches is actually a much better warning sign than its width alone. Using a 3D analysis technique called Vascular Deformation Mapping (VDM), researchers found that patients whose aortas expanded rapidly were at high risk for dissection, even if the vessel wasn't dangerously wide yet. This suggests doctors should watch the rate of change, not just the size.