Marfan Syndrome Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Marfan Syndrome, including details on genetics, causes, symptoms, treatment.

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with the Marfan and Marfan-like syndromes.

Bunch TJ, Connolly HM, Asirvatham SJ, Brady PA, Gersh BJ, Munger TM, Shen WK, Monahan KH, Packer DL

Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.

Patients with the Marfan syndrome may pose a difficult challenge for catheter-based interventions due to frequent coexisting valve disease, potential delay in vascular healing and repair, and intra-atrial scar from prior cardiac surgery. We report a case series of four patients with Marfan or Marfan-like syndromes who underwent ablation for drug-refractory atrial fibrillation. Ultimately three of four patients remained in sinus rhythm, however most patients required multiple ablative attempts and long-term atrial flutter was common. Nonetheless, peri-procedural complications were minimal despite the connective tissue disorder and prosthetic valves in three of four patients. In conclusion, catheter ablation of AF in patients with Marfan syndrome is a viable option in those individuals refractory to conventional therapy.

Published 13 November 2007 in J Interv Card Electrophysiol, 20(1): 15-20.
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