On 20/11, Doctor of second-degree specialization Nguyen Thai An, Head of the Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit, reported that the patient was admitted with severe chest pain. The medical team diagnosed the pregnant woman with Marfan syndrome, which caused acute type A aortic dissection and an aortic root aneurysm.
"This is a critical condition due to sharply increased circulatory pressure in late pregnancy, carrying a high mortality rate if not intervened within the first 48 hours", doctor An stated.
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Doctor Thai An consults the mother after her recovery. *Photo: Hospital provided* |
Faced with this life-or-death situation, doctors from Cho Ray Hospital collaborated with Hung Vuong Hospital to perform an emergency cesarean section. A healthy baby boy was delivered, while the obstetrics team applied specialized techniques to prevent postpartum hemorrhage for the mother.
Approximately 24 hours after delivery, the patient underwent an 8-hour major surgery to address the cardiovascular damage. Due to extensive damage caused by Marfan syndrome, including a large aortic root aneurysm and severe valve regurgitation, the team decided to replace the entire aortic root and ascending aorta with an artificial blood vessel, while successfully preserving the natural valve. This method prevented the patient from needing a mechanical valve, thereby avoiding lifelong anticoagulant medication.
"When I learned I had a severe illness during pregnancy, I was almost in despair, but fortunately, the doctors brought me back from the brink of death", the mother shared.
Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 5,000 people. Over the years, Cho Ray Hospital has saved about 5 pregnant women with aortic damage, but this is the first case related to Marfan syndrome.
Doctors recommend that individuals with Marfan syndrome undergo regular health check-ups, especially women planning to conceive. They should have a cardiovascular examination and aortic ultrasound before pregnancy to ensure an appropriate intervention plan and safeguard both mother and baby.
Le Phuong
