The dilated aortic root in adult patients with conotruncal anomalies

Abstract

This chapter addresses aortopathy in conotruncal disease and its impact on outcome including pregnancy. The aorta (and pulmonary artery) are often involved in conotruncal lesions with a combination of intrinsic abnormalities: further burned by hemodynamics. As these patients grow, we can anticipate progression of aortopathy, and associated risks including dissection. Current data is limited, however, and existing guidelines failed to address this specific population and remain vague on timing of intervention. Monitoring of the aorta for patients with established aortopathy or with conotruncal lesions at risk of doing, so is clearly necessary. Level of monitoring, timing and type of therapy should be individualized for each patient, with property assessment of the patient’s underlying congenital heart lesion, associated comorbidities, and the risk of surgery. Further research in this area of growth including pregnancy is clearly warranted.