Effect of Beta-Blockade on Ascending Aortic Dilatation in Children With the Marfan Syndrome

Aortic root dilatation is the principal life-threatening complication in Marfan syndrome, leading to aortic regurgitation, dissection, and rupture. Beta blockade slows aortic dilatation in adults, but there has been no definitive evidence in children. Therefore, the evolution of aortic diameter at the level of the sinuses of Valsalva in 155 children (82 males, 73 females) aged <12 years who had been diagnosed with Marfan syndrome according to...