Commentary: Midaortic syndrome —What is the skinny?

Midaortic syndrome (MAS) is characterized by narrowing of the descending aorta between the distal aortic arch and the aortic bifurcation. The narrowing may be focal and discrete, or it may be more diffuse along the course of the descending aorta (Figure  1). Not infrequently, the disease process may also extend into visceral arterial branches, such as the celiac, mesenteric, or renal vessels. Most cases of MAS are idiopathic, and the underlying pathogenesis remains poorly understood. In select instances, a link has been established with such condi tions as inflammatory arteritis, mucopolysaccharidosis, fibromuscular dysplasia, and Williams syndrome.
Source: The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Tags: Commentary Source Type: research