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OBJECTIVES: The term “Marfan cardiomyopathy” is used to indicate changes in left ventricular function in the absence of significant valvular pathology in Marfan syndrome. It is still unknown if there are any changes in cardiac function in patients with similar connective tissue abnormality such as marfanoid habitus.
METHODS: In the study were included 98 persons - 8 patients with Marfan syndrome, 24 with marfanoid habitus and 66 healthy subjects. Echocardiography was performed to all patients. Speckle tracking echocardiography was used to assess the left ventricular deformation indices. Concentrations of transforming growth factor-β1 and -β2 in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
RESULTS: Systolic left ventricular function was significantly lower in the Marfan syndrome group; as well global longitudinal left ventricular strain worsening was detected in MS group comparing to control group. In marfanoid habitus subjects, we found significant decrease of the circumferential strain in the interventricular septum and inferior wall. transforming growth factor-β1 and -β2 serum levels were elevated in patients with Marfan syndrome. Elevation of transforming growth factor-β1 was statistically nonsignificant unlike to transforming growth factor-β2 in the marfanoid habitus group. Negative correlations between the serum level of transforming growth factor-β2 and systolic radial strain in the marfanoid habitus group also have been found.
CONCLUSION: Worsening of regional myocardial deformation may be the first sign of deterioration of the left ventricular systolic function and the existence of primary cardiomyopathy in asymptomatic marfanoid habitus patients, which could affect their long-term prognosis and may be caused by increased transforming growth factor-β signaling.
