Connective Issues Fall 2024

SUMMIT IN NORWAY Convened to Improve Patient Care and Outcomes During the GenTAC Aortic Summit, key topics discussed included:

The GenTAC Alliance, a division of the Marfan Foundation, hosted its 8th Aortic Summit, August 28-29, in Tromsø, Norway, in conjunction with the biennial meeting of the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD). This marked the first event collaboration between the two groups, drawing 135 participants from 21 di ff erent countries. Attendees included adult and pediatric cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, vascular surgeons, geneticists, scientists, and many fellows in training. The summit covered a wide range of vital topics related to genetic aortic and vascular conditions, with in-depth discussions on the latest advances in management, genetics, imaging, lifestyle, and surgical approaches. “The event was an amazing two and a half days of science and connection between colleagues rallying together to push back the barriers in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of genetic aortic conditions,” said long-time Foundation leadership volunteer Dr. Kim Eagle, University of Michigan, who serves as IRAD’s director and executive committee chair for the GenTAC Alliance. “The Marfan Foundation and its GenTAC Al liance, coupled with the 60 IRAD centers, are working together to speed discovery in the treatment of Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, VEDS, and related conditions. The future is bright!”

• New guidelines, including the recent AHA scienti fi c statement on pediatric aortopathy and international clinical care guidelines for Turner syndrome • Strategies for identifying and managing aortic dissections, particularly in emergency settings, emphasizing the importance of rapid transfer to specialized aortic centers uponcon fi rmation of dissection • Genetic and epigenetic insights, highlighting rare and common genetic variants, single-cell transcriptomics, and the potential role of facial recognition in diagnosing genetic aortic and vascular conditions • Advancements in imaging techniques and emerging biomarkers with a focus on improving therapeutic decision making and risk stratification for individuals with these conditions • Exercise and mental health following dissection • Updates on surgical interventions, including outcomes after aortic root replacement in individuals with Marfan syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and endovascular management strategies for genetic aortic and vascular conditions The IRAD meeting addressed key insights on cardiovascular impacts, focusing on aortic guidelines, clinical trials, and advances in interventional therapies and care management. Sessions included discussions on genetic evaluation, stent graft therapies, and imaging techniques for post-dissection care. A vibrant poster presentation session from both the IRAD meeting and the GenTAC Aortic Summit covered a range of topics, including genetic mutations and disease mechanisms, genotype-phenotype correlations, and clinical outcomes and patient care. The meetings allowed attendees to learn about cutting-edge research and participate in dynamic dialogue and debates. The networking between the two groups also sparked vital discussions on new research projects to improve outcomes for patients. To learn more about the GenTAC Alliance, visit Gentacalliance.org .

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Fall 2024