The Marfan syndrome cases that are caused by spontaneous mutation of a gene cannot be prevented. However, about more than 70 percent of Marfan syndrome patients acquire the disease from one or both parents with Marfan syndrome. Aside from the chance of passing on this inherited risk to the child, women with Marfan syndrome need to consider the physical strain that pregnancy and delivery places on the heart. Pregnant women with Marfan syndrome have a higher mortality risk with pregnancy, as well as an increased risk of mitral valve prolapse, aortic dissection, arrhythmia, heart attack (from the blockage of a coronary artery and sudden cardiac death).

The size of the patient’s aorta at the time of pregnancy is an important risk indicator. Marfan patients with a normal aorta have a moderate mortality risk, while patients with an abnormal aorta are at high risk. Patients with an aortic diameter less than 4 centimeters (40 millimeters, or about 1.6 inches) generally tolerate pregnancy well. However, there is a 50 percent mortality rate for pregnant women with Marfan syndrome with an aorta diameter greater than 4 centimeters. Marfan patients are advised to assess childbearing risks with a physician and genetic counselor prior to pregnancy.

For more information on Marfan syndrome, contact:

The National Marfan Foundation
22 Manhasset Avenue
Port Washington, NY 11050
1-800-8 MARFAN
www.marfan.org