Background

Neonatal Marfan syndrome (NMFS) is a rare, severe form of Marfan syndrome (MFS) with a poor prognosis and several distinguishing features. Unlike traditional Marfan syndrome, family history is negative in 70–100% of cases, suggesting a high degree of de novo mutations [1]. Aortic dilatation (AD) occurs in over 80% of patients, but dissection is quite rare, and death typically occurs within the first year of life from congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to severe atrioventricular valve (AV) regurgitation and ventricular dysfunction [2]. Systemic findings like diaphragmatic eventration, joint contractures, and severe scoliosis are also more prevalent and may portend a worse prognosis when associated with certain exon mutations [3,4,5]. Treatment focuses on medical management of heart failure symptoms and surgical interventions are rarely performed given the low risk of AD.

Case presentation

11 month old female with a prenatal diagnosis of aortic root dilatation. Her mother has ectopia lentis and aortic root dilatation as diagnostic criteria for MFS, but aortopathy panel and chromosome microarray were negative. The initial post-natal echo showed myxomatous, severely prolapsing AV valves, mild tricuspid regurgitation (TR), mild mitral regurgitation (MR), normal biventricular size and function, and moderate aortic root dilation (1.46 cm, Z-score 3.90) (Fig. 1). All Z scores were calculated from the Boston Children's Hospital dataset to ensure consistency over time. An aberrant right subclavian artery with Kommerell’s diverticulum was also noted. Physical exam was remarkable for marked arachnodactyly, scoliosis, malar hypoplasia, flat corneas, and pectus deformity. She had persistent arterial desaturation due to right diaphragm eventration causing hepatic compression of the right atrium and streaming of inferior vena cava blood across a patent foramen ovale (Fig. 2). Whole exome sequencing demonstrated a partial FBN1 deletion involving exons 46–50 and chromosome microarray showed an additional 17q22 microdeletion. Paternal genetic testing and in silico testing has not be performed.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Transthoracic echocardiogram. a 2D subcostal long axis view: Moderately dilated aortic root (1.46 cm, Z score 3.90). (LV: left ventricle). b 2D parasternal short axis view: Diaphragmatic eventration causing liver protrusion into thoracic the cavity and compression of the right atrium (RA). (LA: left atrium; RVOT: right ventricular outflow tract). c Magnified color compare 4 chamber apical view: Myoxomatous, severely prolapsing tricuspid valve (arrow) with mild tricuspid regurgitation. Liver is visibly compressing the right atrium. (RV: right ventricle). d Color compare 4 chamber apical view: Myoxomatous, severely prolapsing tricuspid valve with central coaptation gap (arrow) and severe tricuspid regurgitation. e Magnified color compare 4 chamber apical view: Myoxomatous, severely prolapsing mitral valve (arrow) with mild regurgitation. Note the spine compressing the left atrium and the leftward bowing of the atrial septum (dotted line). f Magnified color compare 4 chamber apical view: Myoxomatous severely prolapsing mitral valve (arrow) with severe regurgitation through a posterior jet

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Fig. 2
figure 2

Aortic root dimensions over time with corresponding medical and surgical interventions

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Atenolol (initially 3 mg daily; ~ 1 mg/kg) and losartan (initially 10 mg daily; ~ 3.2 mg/kg) were started at 6 weeks of age following significant progression of her aortic root dimension (1.93 cm, Z-score + 6.96) (Fig. 2). With close heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, the patient tolerated a maximal dose of atenolol 12 mg daily and losartan 25 mg daily. Her AV valve regurgitation remained mild. At 4.5 months of age she was admitted in CHF refractory to maximal medical therapy. She had severe TR, moderate MR, and trivial aortic regurgitation (Fig. 1). Her aortic root measured 2.46 cm (Z-score of + 9.14). She underwent mitral and tricuspid valvuloplasty and right hemidiaphragm plication. Post-operative TEE demonstrated persistent moderate MR. Serial echocardiograms showed worsening MR and progressive aortic root dilatation. She was re-admitted in CHF at 9.5 months and underwent a second mitral valvuloplasty with leaflet resection and artificial chordae creation. Her aortic root measured 3.1 cm (Z-score + 13). Losartan was switched to irbesartan (initiated at 10 mg to a maximal dose of 40 mg daily) in an effort to attenuate further aortic root growth, but her most recent echo showed further dilation to 3.35 cm (Z-score + 14.4) and compression of the left atrium and left-sided pulmonary veins between the dilated aortic root and scoliotic spine. This was confirmed by chest CT which revealed near complete obliteration of the left atrium (Fig. 3). Valve-sparing aortic root replacement using the Yacoub technique was employed with normalization of her aortic root dimension and alleviation of her left atrial compression. Unfortunately, her left lower pulmonary vein stenosis progressed to obliteration of the vein with formation of collateral drainage. The left upper pulmonary vein also became narrowed. Repeat echocardiogram showed normal pulmonary artery pressures and right ventricular function.

Fig. 3
figure 3

Chest CTA with contrast. a Pre-operative axial image: Severe aortic root dilatation to almost 4 cm, compression of the left atrium (LA) between the aortic root and spine, and severe left lower pulmonary vein (star) stenosis. (DAO: descending abdominal aorta; RVOT: right ventricular outflow tract). b Post-operative axial imaging: Reduced aortic root dimension, resolution of left atrial compression, and occluded left lower pulmonary vein (arrow). Note the massively dilated right atrium (RA)

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Discussion

Neonatal Marfan syndrome is a rare disorder with a poor prognosis. Aortic root dilation is quite common, but dissection is not and death typically results from CHF due to severe AV valve regurgitation and ventricular dysfunction [2]. Systemic findings are also more pronounced and occur in a larger proportion of individuals relative to classical MFS. Stheneur et al demonstrated that mutations in exons 25–26, in conjunction with valvular regurgitation and diaphragmatic hernia, are associated with a worse prognosis [5]. Our patient had both these systemic findings, but her partial FBN1 gene mutation involved exons 46–50, which presumably cause less aggressive disease.

Genetic testing also revealed a 17q22 microdeletion. This region contains the NOG gene whose protein product, Noggin, plays a role in proper bone and joint development. Laurell et al described the molecular and clinical phenotype of deletions in this region in the largest case series to date [6]. All six patients had NOG-related skeletal and joint features and a constellation of facial dysmorphologies, while other had conductive hearing loss, intellectual disability, and attention deficient hyperactivity disorder. One patient had aortic arch hypoplasia and deletion of OR4D1, OR4D2, DYNLL2, MKS1, AND MSX2P1, but another patient with these same deletions had no cardiac anomalies.

Our patient had rapid aortic root dilatation despite aggressive medical management with beta blocker and angiotensin receptor blocker. She underwent successful valve-sparing root remodeling and AV valvuloplasty, but the durability of the latter is unclear given the highly dysplastic nature of these valves. While she is no longer at risk of type A dissection, she remains at risk for thoracic aortic dilatation and dissection, including her Kommerell’s diverticulum. Her left-sided pulmonary vein stenosis is being monitored closely and she does not currently show signs of elevated pulmonary artery pressures or decreased right ventricular function.

Conclusion

Aortic dilatation in NMFS occurs rapidly despite aggressive medical management. Root remodeling and atrioventricular valve repair are possible, but the durability of the latter is unknown. By repairing her AV valve regurgitation and addressing her aortic root dilatation, we have markedly altered the course of her disease progression. Deletion of specific FBN1 exons is known to carry a worse prognosis, but our patient’s deletion is outside this region. Her 17q22 microdeletion also does not account for the aggressive nature of her aortopathy, although it may account for the severity of her skeletal findings. Additional genetic testing is needed to identify any possible synergistic effects on her cardiac phenotype.