Cleveland Clinic

Large retrospective study findings suggest that low-dose aspirin therapy may be warranted to slow aneurysm progression. Learn more about the study: https://cle.clinic/3H1g9jy

Thomas Daniel hadn’t experienced heart-related issues when genetic testing showed he had Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Additional imaging resulted in Thomas needing to undergo cardiac surgery as soon as possible. After Thomas’ nephew underwent emergency surgery to treat an aortic dissection, Thomas and his four siblings were subsequently tested for a rare connective tissue disorder called Loeys-Dietz syndrome. It’s a genetic condition that if undetected and untreated can lead to an aortic aneurysm or dissection, both serious conditions affecting the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body. Soon after discovering he tested positive for developing the condition, Thomas underwent imaging tests that revealed his ascending aorta was enlarged and would require corrective surgery as soon as possible. His cardiothoracic surgeon and Chief of the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute Dr. Lars Svensson explains, “The two things that are primarily the drivers for surgery are the size of the aorta and the degree of leakage of the aortic valve. If the aorta is abnormally enlarged, we have found that patients for whom we provided surgical intervention before dissection survive and do very well long term.” Thomas underwent a complex reimplantation operation where Dr. Svensson and team performed a modified prophylactic aortic surgery. Dr. Svensson notes only about 4% of patients long term require follow-up surgeries. He adds, “I’m not aware of any patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome we have operated on by reimplantation having gone on to experience an aortic dissection.” Thomas was hospitalized for about one week, then recovered at home and underwent physical therapy before returning to work 12 weeks later. Both of Thomas’ daughters underwent genetic testing. Results showed his 27-year-old daughter, Madison, does have Loeys-Dietz syndrome. She regularly sees cardiologist Dr. Vidyasagar Kalahasti. Thomas stresses the importance of knowing your family health history. He says for him it made all the difference.

Two studies make it clear that obesity increases risk of chronic sinusitis. More about the studies: https://cle.clinic/41Glg2p

The Whole30 diet plan demands 100% compliance for a reset of your body. It’s a tough program that eliminates dairy, grains and other common foods from your plate for 30 days. More about Whole30: https://cle.clinic/3KbC9r8

Eggs are packed with vitamins and protein. But is too much of a good thing... bad? A registered dietitian discusses: https://cle.clinic/3JNztBu

How do you know if your fatigue is normal or if it's a reason to see your doctor? An expert weighs in on all things sleep, including how much you really need and top ways to fight exhaustion: https://cle.clinic/2Zszsjn

A 68-year-old man with stage V chronic kidney disease received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor that later grew a tumor. More about the case: https://cle.clinic/4gmnCcZ

After working on her graduate school application from a hospital ICU bed, 25-year-old Molly Easly went on to get her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the same time. Her resilience made this accomplishment possible even amid an aortic dissection and cancer diagnosis. Ever since she was young, Molly’s heart was monitored because of her family history of aortic dissections. “When I initially evaluated Molly, her above average size aorta with her family history was a marker even before we had the benefit of positive genetic testing,” says pediatric cardiologist Dr. Kenneth Zahka, who adds testing later confirmed Molly has an ACTA2 mutation, which increases a person’s risk of aortic aneurysms and dissections. After finding an abrupt increase in the size of her aorta, Dr. Zahka referred her to cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Eric Roselli, who decided to move forward with surgery to address her dilated aorta. “We were able to save Molly’s valve while replacing her root and ascending aorta to prevent her from having what we call a Type A dissection, which is a serious, life-threatening emergency. We also replaced her arch to prepare for later potential aortic problems,” says Dr. Roselli. From there, Molly was regularly monitored for any changes with her aorta. She thought everything was back to normal up until a little over three years after her first surgery when she had a Type B dissection, which is typically less dangerous than a Type A dissection. “Because I did that more extended repair a few years prior, we were able to better control her condition in the intensive care unit and then get her treated with a minimally invasive operation,” says Dr. Roselli. While addressing the dissection, Molly’s care team spotted a nodule on her thyroid, which testing confirmed was thyroid cancer. Amid juggling doctor’s appointments, Molly managed to graduate college and currently has no evidence of cancer after treatment. She credits her care team with saving her life and being able to go on to meet her husband, Briggs Krause, who Molly learned is also a patient of Dr. Zahka’s. In October 2024, Molly and Briggs said, “I do.”

A desktop-sized cardiac modeling system made of 3D-printed materials can be customized to accurately mimic the hydrodynamics of a specific case of aortic stenosis, ventricular remodeling and diastolic dysfunction.

Because bone broth contains nutrients and minerals like amino acids and collagen, it may help promote healthy skin, strong bones and improved gut health. Learn more benefits of bone broth and how to enjoy it: https://cle.clinic/4fPXqHQ