Diverticulosis Coli in Association With Marfan's Syndrome

Abstract

To the Editor. —It has generally been held that gastrointestinal (GI) tract complications are not commonly associated with Marfan's syndrome. Review of the literature shows instances of diaphragmatic hernia,1inguinal hernia,2and perforation of the appendix3in patients suffering this condition. Recently, we treated a patient with diverticulosis of the colon in association with Marfan's syndrome. Report of a Case. —A 38-year-old woman who had ectopia lentis, arachnodactyly, and cardiovascular manifestations compatible with Marfan's syndrome was admitted to the Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel, for surgical repair of a huge thoracic aortic aneurysm. The patient's history included a valve replacement for aortic valve prolapse and abdominal aortic aneurysmectomy. The patient died shortly after the operation due to ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. Autopsy disclosed thrombosis of the left circumflex coronary artery. The uninvolved segment of the thoracic aorta showed fragmentation of the elastic laminae of the