Loeys-Dietz syndrome

<B>Loeys-Dietz syndrome:</B> Loeys-Dietz syndrome is an inherited syndrome characterized by aortic aneurysms (weakened outpouchings of the aorta) and other blood vessel abnormalities in children.

Other physical characteristics may be associated with Loeys-Dietz syndrome, including early fusion of the skull bones (known as craniosynostosis), widely spaced eyes, and cleft palate or split uvula.

The severity of the visible physical characteristics varies among affected individuals.

One important difference among Loeys-Dietz syndrome and other inheritable causes of aortic aneurysms is that the aortic aneurysms of Loeys-Dietz syndrome are prone to rupture at a smaller size than other aneurysms, with early identification of the condition and surgical intervention critical for survival.