Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

Dilation of the aorta with Marfan's syndrome does not usually occur in the:

1. aortic arch

2. aortic annulus

3. sinuses of Valsalva

4. descending aorta

The correct answer is: descending aorta

In Marfan's syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue, one of the key cardiovascular manifestations is the dilation of the aorta. This dilation is most commonly seen in specific regions of the aorta due to the abnormal structure and elastic properties of the connective tissue. The aortic arch, aortic annulus, and the sinuses of Valsalva are all areas where dilation frequently occurs. The aortic arch, being a part of the larger aortic structure, can experience increased stress and deformation due to underlying connective tissue abnormalities. Similarly, the aortic annulus (which connects the valve to the aorta) and the sinuses of Valsalva (the areas at the base of the aorta just above the aortic valve) are also structurally susceptible to dilation. In contrast, the descending aorta does not usually have the same degree of dilation in Marfan’s syndrome as the ascending aorta and its components do. While some degree of involvement can occur in the descending aorta, particularly if there is significant pathology or degeneration, it is less common than the dilation that occurs in the ascending aorta and its immediate regions. Therefore, the descending aorta is typically considered a region where dilation is less pronounced in the