Progression of Aortic Dilatation and the Benefit of Long-Term β-Adrenergic Blockade in Marfan's Syndrome

Abstract

The aortic root enlarges progressively in Marfan's syndrome, and this enlargement is associated with aortic regurgitation and dissection. Long-term treatment with β-adrenergic blockade, by reducing the impulse (i.e., the rate of pressure change in the aortic root) of left ventricular ejection and the heart rate, may protect the aortic root.