Aortic Anuerisym

[Mis]

I had a grandfather that died of an aortic anuerisym, we had some doctors say that it is hereditary (typically in males) Being that I am a grandaughter should I be tested as well as other family members (his children) or is it somthing thats not really hereditary?? Thanks!!!!

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

There is no antibiotic prophylaxis for this infective type of aneurysm.  The symptoms of an acute dissection of an aneurysm are often mid back pain, a "tearing" sensation.Sometimes there are no symptoms.  

Aortic enlargement may be documented by phsyical examination or a CXR may identify this.

[Mis]

Is their any advance signs of an aortic anuerysm and what are they? Also what is the effective rate for such a surgery??

[tom]

If aortic aneuryism is caused by infections what antibiotics are usually prescribed for it and for how long?How does one know that infections had been eridicated?Does taking antibiotics (for long period of time) also cause aortic aneuryism?Thank you.Tom

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Todd,

thank you for this additional information.

[Todd]

I,m 34 and last year had an aortic aneurysm and aortic valve repaired.  I was evaluated for the Marfan Syndrome but did not meet enough criteria to classified as have the Marfan Syndrome.  This does not mean that I absolutely do not have it.  However, there is a genetic disorder that effects connective tissue similar to Marfan's (fibrillin).  This disorder is dominant like Marfan's but does not carry the skeletal and eye problems typically associated with Marfan's.  The main problem with this disorder is early onset of aortic aneurysms, typically ascending aorta and usually before age 50 - often 20's and 30's.  If your grandfather was much older and/or his aneurysm was abdominal, then I beleive that there is much less chance that it is hereditary.  If he was under 60 with an ascending aorta aneurysm, I would ask to be checked out - echocardioram - it is painless.  The research on this other disorder is being done by a Dr. Milewicz in Houston.  Good luck.

[Mis]

What exactly is Marphans Syndrome????

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

MArphan's syndrome is characterized by a defect in collagen formation and makes people prone to aortic aneurysms.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

If your grandfather had marphan's disease, then you should be evaluated.  If not, you are at no significant increase risk.