A dilated (or expanded) aorta can be a life-changing diagnosis for your child and family. Children with these conditions often face a variety of health challenges and need specialized treatment throughout their life.

The aorta is the main blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body. Dilated aortas can be caused by genetic conditions and by certain types of congenital heart disease. If the aorta becomes too dilated the walls of this blood vessel can tear.

We have special expertise in treating dilated aortas related to genetic diseases that cause connective tissue disorders. These include Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Turner syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Our connective tissues are responsible for keeping the structure and form of our organs and body. Tendons, ligaments, bones and fat are all considered connective tissue. In these conditions the aorta dilates because of weakness in the walls.

Children's Health℠ also treats dilated aortas caused by other conditions, like bicuspid aortic valve, aortic coarctation and other cardiac conditions.

Figuring out why your child’s aorta is dilated is the first step in finding the right treatment. Then, we create a comprehensive care plan that meets your child’s needs. Our goal is to prevent future complications and help your child live a full, healthy life – by harnessing the combined expertise of our team of cardiologists, geneticists, cardiac surgeons and other experts.