title: A Woman With Marfan Syndrome in Pregnancy: Managing High Vascular Risk With Multidisciplinary Care.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Women with connective tissue disorders are at risk for cardiovascular complications during pregnancy, but there are no guidelines for pregnant women with aortic root diameter>45 mm or with rapid aortic widening. We describe the issues of practical significance in the management of pregnancy and delivery in a woman with Marfan syndrome (MFS).
  
  
  METHODS
  A pregnant woman with MFS presented for tertiary care at 26 weeks' gestation. Rapid aortic dilatation triggered a decision to undertake delivery preterm, with a resulting good neonatal outcome. A multidisciplinary approach aided in optimizing the monitoring and timing of delivery and subsequent aortic repair, and allowed planning for the management of a potential vascular catastrophe.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Having optimal maternal and neonatal outcomes for pregnant women with Marfan syndrome depends on a highly responsive and coordinated team effort, including meticulous planning for a vascular catastrophe.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton AB.
authors.forename: Kentia
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Naud
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and Biomedical Engineering, Halifax Infirmary, Halifax NS.
authors.forename: Gabrielle
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Horne
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax NS.
authors.forename: Michiel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Van den Hof
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001011:Aorta / Q000473:pathology; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008382:Marfan Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular
keywords: Marfan syndrome; aortic root; drills; high risk pregnancy; multidisciplinary team; pregnancy ; vascular risk