Detection of abnormal aortic elastic properties in asymptomatic patients with Marfan syndrome by combined transoesophageal echocardiography and acoustic quantification.

Abstract

In Marfan syndrome elastic properties of the descending aorta are significantly different from normal controls, even in the absence of vessel dilatation. In addition to established static indices, indices derived from acoustic quantification reflect dynamic changes of the cross sectional area for the evaluation of regional vessel mechanics. The on-line assessment of peak positive area change allows differentiation from normal individuals and may be more accurate than standard M mode measurements.