What does this research mean for the field?

Successful management of familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in pregnant patients was demonstrated in the case of two siblings. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONFIRMATORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.SUPPORTS_CONSENSUS.

What question did this study set out to answer?

Examine the management and implications of familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in pregnant siblings.

January 10, 2026Aorta0 citationsOpen Access

Management of Myosin Heavy Chain 11–Associated Familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection During Pregnancy in Two Siblings

Q: What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Other. Population: Myosin Heavy Chain 11–Associated Familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection (n=2). Primary outcome: Management of aortic aneurysm and dissection.

APAnthony Talea PohahauOregon Health & Science University IWIshaq J. WadiwalaOregon Health & Science University LMLidija McGrath

Key Result

Successful management of familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in pregnant patients was demonstrated in the case of two siblings.

Key Points

Examine the management and implications of familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in pregnant siblings.
Clinical case report of two siblings with thoracic aortic dissection during pregnancy.
Genetic testing identified pathogenic MYH11 variant in both siblings.
Focused on surveillance and multidisciplinary care protocols for management.
Both siblings presented with thoracic aortic dissection in the second trimester.
The first sibling was diagnosed with a MYH11 mutation before the second sibling's dissection.
The second sibling's dissection occurred prior to her initial evaluation despite known risk.

Structured PICO

Population

2 pregnant siblings (ages 29 and 31) presenting with thoracic aortic dissection during the second trimester, both with a pathogenic MYH11 variant (c.3858 + 1G > A) associated with familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (fTAAD) and a history of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) repair.

Intervention

Multidisciplinary management including cesarean delivery followed by surgical aortic repair (valve-sparing aortic root replacement and hemiarch replacement for one sibling; mechanical Bentall procedure for the other).

Outcome

Maternal and neonatal survival and surgical outcomes following acute thoracic aortic dissection.hard clinical

This case highlights the critical importance of early genetic identification, preconception counseling, and multidisciplinary surgical care in managing MYH11-associated heritable thoracic aortic disease during pregnancy.

Limitations

Small sample size (only two cases)
Lack of randomization and control group

Abstract

Abstract Two pregnant siblings presented with thoracic aortic dissection during the second trimester. A pathogenic MYH11 was identified following the first sibling's diagnosis. The second sibling, previously known to be at risk but lost to follow-up, reengaged during pregnancy, tested positive for the familial variant, and dissected before her initial evaluation. This case highlights the importance of genetic diagnosis, surveillance, and multidisciplinary care in managing heritable thoracic aortic disease during pregnancy.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper