What question did this study set out to answer?

To assess cardiovascular responses in pediatric Marfan Syndrome using exercise stress echocardiography.

February 26, 2026Open Access

Vascular and Ventricular Responses Assessed by Exercise Stress Echocardiography in Pediatric Marfan Syndrome

Key Result

Pediatric Marfan Syndrome patients showed preserved systolic and diastolic reserve and vascular adaptability during exercise despite baseline aortic and vascular abnormalities.

Key Points

To assess cardiovascular responses in pediatric Marfan Syndrome using exercise stress echocardiography.
Included 31 pediatric Marfan Syndrome patients and 31 age-matched controls.
Conducted resting and exercise echocardiography to evaluate systolic and diastolic function, aortic dimensions, and vascular parameters.
Comparative analysis of vascular and ventricular responses in both groups.
MFS patients showed greater baseline height and body surface area compared to controls.
Significant differences in aortic dimensions, diastolic function, endothelial function, and vascular stiffness were found in MFS patients.
MFS patients maintained preserved systolic and diastolic reserve during exercise, with similar vascular responses to controls.

Structured PICO

Does exercise stress echocardiography reveal impaired cardiovascular functional reserve in pediatric patients with Marfan Syndrome compared to age-matched controls?

Population

31 pediatric Marfan Syndrome (MFS) patients and 31 age-matched controls

Intervention

Exercise Stress Echocardiography (ESE)

Comparator

Age-matched controls undergoing the same exercise stress echocardiography protocol

Outcome

Systolic and diastolic function, aortic dimensions, and vascular parameters during rest and exercisesurrogate

Pediatric Marfan Syndrome patients exhibit preserved cardiovascular reserve during exercise despite baseline vascular and ventricular abnormalities, supporting their safe participation in endurance activities.

Main Result

Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%

Abstract

AbstractBackground Pediatric Marfan Syndrome (MFS) is associated with changes in aortic stiffness, endothelial function, and ventricular performance. Resting measurements may not fully capture cardiovascular functional reserve. Exercise Stress Echocardiography (ESE) can reveal subclinical impairments not evident at rest. Methods This study included 31 pediatric MFS patients and 31 age-matched controls. Resting and exercise echocardiography were performed to assess systolic and diastolic function, aortic dimensions, and vascular parameters. Results MFS patients had larger baseline height and BSA values compared to controls. Significant baseline differences in aortic dimensions, diastolic function, endothelial function, and vascular stiffness were observed in MFS patients. Despite these differences, MFS patients demonstrated preserved systolic and diastolic reserve during exercise. Vascular responses to exercise were comparable to controls, reflecting increased stiffness and altered endothelial function but preserved adaptability. Conclusions Preserved cardiovascular reserve during exercise suggests baseline abnormalities may not result in significant dysfunction, supporting safe participation in endurance activities for pediatric MFS patients.

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