Acute Aortic Dissection in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy as an Initial Presentation of Marfan Syndrome

Authors

  • Marta Reis Santos Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine. Hospital de Santa Maria. Unidade Local de Saúde de Santa Maria. Lisboa. Portugal. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5923-3540
  • Alexandre Valentim Lourenço Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine. Hospital de Santa Maria. Unidade Local de Saúde de Santa Maria. Lisboa. Portugal.
  • Maria Pulido Valente Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine. Hospital de Santa Maria. Unidade Local de Saúde de Santa Maria. Lisboa. Portugal. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1173-6171

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.22287

Keywords:

Aortic Aneurysm, Aortic Dissection, Marfan Syndrome, Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular, Pregnancy Trimester, Third

Abstract

Aortic dissection is rare and more common in men. In women, it is more frequent during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. We present the case of a 30-year-old pregnant woman diagnosed with type B aortic dissection at 29 weeks of gestation. Following the diagnosis, fetal maturation was initiated, and the patient was transferred to a tertiary care center. Due to uncontrolled hypertension and persistent pain, and after evaluating the maternal and fetal risk-benefit, a cesarean section was performed at 29 weeks and six days. During the postoperative period, a multi-drug regimen was required for blood pressure control, but the patient recovered and was discharged. Genetic testing, prompted by a family history of sudden death (brother) and aortic dissection (father), identified a mutation in the FBN1 gene, confirming Marfan syndrome. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive patient history, the challenges of aortic dissection during pregnancy, and the need for a multidisciplinary approach in these cases.

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References

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Published

2025-03-26

How to Cite

1.
Reis Santos M, Valentim Lourenço A, Pulido Valente M. Acute Aortic Dissection in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy as an Initial Presentation of Marfan Syndrome. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 26 [cited 2025 Dec. 6];38(8):491-5. Available from: https://www.actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/22287

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Case Report