Whole exome sequencing identifies FBN1 mutations in two patients with early-onset type B aortic dissection

The etiology of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) is complex and heterogeneous. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that genetic causes may be a consideration in early-onset TAAD. Owing to overlapping clinical phenotypes and the genetic heterogeneity of TAAD, it is challenging for clinicians to make a molecular diagnosis of TAAD, particularly in those who present with non-specific syndromic features. In order to identify the causative mutation in two young patients with acute type B aortic dissection without syndromic features, whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in the present study. A missense mutation (c.G6953A:p.C2318Y) and a nonsense mutation (c.C4786T:p.R1596X) were identified in the fibrillin 1 gene in patients T287 and T267, respectively. The present study emphasized the necessity of genetic testing for young patients with type B aortic dissection. WES is a timely, robust and inexpensive technique for molecular diagnosis, particularly for TAAD caused by numerous genes. Genetic diagnosis of Marfan syndrome could aid in periodic surveillance, prophylactic surgical measures, and genetic counseling.