ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

Familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections
Milewicz, DM
University of Texas-Houston Medical School, TX

Prahlow, JA
Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences and the Department of Pathology, University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center, TX

Barnard, JJ
Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences and the Department of Pathology, University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center, TX

(Received 25 March 1998; accepted 14 April 1998)

Abstract

Rupture of thoracic aortic aneurysms and/or dissections is not rare, occurring in approximately 0.6% of all medicolegal autopsies. Most forensic pathologists are aware of the association between thoracic aortic aneurysms/dissections and trauma, atherosclerosis, inflammation and Marfan syndrome. In this report, we discuss a familial form of thoracic aortic dilatation and/or dissection that is distinct from Marfan syndrome. In addition, we review the topic of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection and encourage family notification by forensic pathologists when familial forms of aortic disease are suspected at autopsy.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic pathology, aorta, aneurysm, dissection, familial, autosomal dominant, Marfan syndrome

Paper ID: JFS14395J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14395J
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