Connective Issues Winter 2023

Second International Patient Meeting Paris, August 2022

More than 50 people from all over the world – from Canada and the US, all parts of Europe, Greece, and India – gathered in Paris for the Foundation’s Second International Patient Symposium on Marfan and Related Conditions. The speakers included Dr. Juan Bowen, Mayo Clinic; Dr. Alan Braverman, Washington University in St. Louis; Dr. Scott LeMaire, Baylor-St. Luke’s; Dr. Hal Dietz, Johns Hopkins; Dr. Kim Eagle, University of Michigan; Dr. Andrea Laufer, University of Munster (Germany); Dr. Bart Loeys, University of Antwerp (Belgium); and Dr. Shaine Morris, Texas Children’s Hospital. The presenters focused on what’s new in genetic aortic and vascular conditions, with specific presentations on diagnosis, medical and surgical treatments, and genetics related to Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, VEDS, and other genetic aortic and vascular conditions. Attendees had an opportunity to network with the presenters and with each other. “This was my first event with The Marfan Foundation. I came to meet some

This was my first event with The Marfan Foundation. I came to meet some of the great researchers and doctors and found it very informative.

of the great researchers and doctors and found it very informative,” said Kaushal Mehta, who came from India to participate in the patient meeting. “It is very important for a ff ected families to be part of such programs. I hope to have more engagement with the Foundation in the future.” The Foundation is looking forward to partnering with other patient organizations around the world to help advance education and awareness about Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and VEDS globally.

p Dr. Andrea Laufer

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