Abstract

P 298

Keratometry readings as risk factor for aortal dissection in patients with Marfan syndrome

Juliane Grosswendt, Daniel Böhringer, Tobias Brunner, Matthias Siepe, Thomas Reinhard
Universitäts-Augenklinik Freiburg

Background
Marfan syndrome is associated with high keratometry readings. We hypothesize that the corneal flattening is a direct consequence of the underlying connective disorder. Thus the keratometry readings may correlate with pathologic changes in the aortal connective tissue. For that reason the corneal curvature may predict the risk of aortal dissections.
Methods
We selected a total of 82 patients from our specialized out patient department on the basis of either major or minor criteria of the Ghent Nosology. Marfan syndrome was diagnosed in 58 patients by an interdisciplinary board of experts in our cohort. We performed keratometry in both eyes of the patients. We additionally reviewed the medical records for aortal dissections. A multifactoriell cox proportional hazards model was used to asses any association between keratometry and aortal dissection.
Results
The maximal k-values averaged 8.42mm (7.56-9.60 mm). We noticed 5 aortal dissections in our cohort. The multifactoriell cox model revealed a statistically significant correlation of maximal keratometry and aortal dissection (Odds ratio 594; p=0.04).
Conclusions
Our retrospective analysis suggests that high corneal keratometry readings may suspect higher risk for life threatening aortal dissection. Therefore keratometry should be routinely performed in all Marfan suspects. High k-readings should result in a referral to a cardiologist.

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