Long-term outcome in patients with Marfan syndrome: is aortic dissection the only cause of sudden death?

Objectives We sought to assess outcomes in a series of young patients with Marfan syndrome and to define the prevalence of ventricular arrhythmias in this patient population. Background While sudden death is a well-recognized outcome in Marfan syndrome, ventricular arrhythmias are not well described. Methods Patients were followed with echocardiography, electrocardiography, and ambulatory electrocardiography. The prevalence and associated factors for ventricular dysrhythmias were defined. Results Seventy patients with Marfan syndrome diagnosed at birth to 52 years were followed for a period of up to 24 years. All patients had cardiovascular involvement and were started on medical therapy. No patient died from aortic dissection, while 4% died from arrhythmias. Ventricular arrhythmias were present in 21% and were associated with increased left ventricular size, mitral valve prolapse, and abnormalities of repolarization. Conclusions Cardiac complications are rare in young patients with Marfan syndrome receiving medical therapy and close clinical follow-up. Sudden death still occurs, and appears more common in patients with a dilated left ventricle. Left ventricular dilation may predispose to alterations of repolarization and fatal ventricular arrhythmias.