American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

How often should echocardiography be performed in patients with Marfan syndrome after initial diagnosis?

1. Every 3 months

2. 6 months later

3. Yearly

4. Every 2 years

The correct answer is: 6 months later

In patients with Marfan syndrome, echocardiography plays a critical role in monitoring for cardiovascular complications, particularly aortic dilation and valvular abnormalities. After an initial diagnosis, it is recommended to perform echocardiography at regular intervals to assess any changes in the aorta's size and to evaluate heart function. The typical recommendation is to conduct echocardiograms every 6 months following the initial diagnosis. This frequency allows for timely identification of any significant changes that could require intervention, which is particularly crucial given that patients with Marfan syndrome are at increased risk for aortic dissection and other cardiovascular issues. Longer intervals between echocardiograms may not provide adequate monitoring of potential complications, while more frequent assessments, such as every 3 months, may be unnecessary unless there are specific concerns or clinical indications requiring closer observation. Therefore, performing echocardiography 6 months after the initial diagnosis aligns with established guidelines for monitoring patients with Marfan syndrome.