Question

Hans Dietz is a 25 year old male patient with a family history of Marfan Syndrome (MFS). He is generally well and enjoys attending regular fitness sessions in his local gymnasium. During a recent gym session, he experienced dizziness followed by a fainting episode. He presented at the emergency department and a new systolic murmur was heard. Mr Dietz subsequently underwent screening for cardiovascular abnormalities associated with his family history of Marfan Syndrome.

Question 4

Describe the secondary complications (or consequences) that will occur as a result of the changes in the structure of the mitral valve in a patient with Marfan syndrome. Your answer should link to the clinical sign of the new systolic murmur noted in this patient.

Answer 1

In marfan syndrome the mitral valve leaflet become loos e and floppy it won't close tightly. mitral valve connect between left atrium and ventricle because of marfan syndrome the impaired mitral valve allow the blood to leak backwards . Therefore regurgitation of blood occurs. Basically marfan syndrome is mutisystemic genetic disease which affect connective tissues of body other than mitral valve prolapse marfan patient show aortic valve incompetence also

The new systolic murmur is due to regurgitation of blood through mitral valve .Mitral value regurgitation and pro lapse can lead to heart failure , late systolic murmur ,panic attack ,fatigue ,anxiety , palpitations ,orthostasis , syncope , exercise intolerance etc. Severe complication include atrial fibrillation, stroke, infective endocarditis and sudden death.