Genetic error that increases risk of aortic rupture identified
Washington University School of Medicine •
In young people, aortic aneurysms are most often caused by an inherited condition, such as Marfan syndrome. Standard genetic tests often pinpoint the reason for inherited aortic disease, but some cases remain medical mysteries. A new study adds lysyl oxidase to the standard list of genes that should be tested when a young person shows an enlarged aorta. Lysyl oxidase helps maintain structural integrity of blood vessels. (Image: Bruce Blaus)
