Our team in the Cardiovascular Connective Tissue Disorder Clinic provides expert diagnosis and treatment plans for people with aortic aneurysm syndromes and related disorders. 

Tailoring Care to You

Leaders in our center are among the world’s foremost experts on these disorders and conduct laboratory and clinical research to move medical care forward. We apply scientifically based therapies and research to create treatment plans tailored to each patient. This can include:

• Medications
• Lifestyle modifications
• Helping you understand the genetic and familial factors of your condition, including family assessment and screening, if appropriate
• Aortic imaging using the latest technologies through our cardiology and radiology departments
• Multidisciplinary care coordination with specialists in vascular, neurovascular and cardiothoracic surgery, as well as nonvascular specialties, such as ophthalmology, orthopaedics and pulmonary
• Education and support to prepare for medical emergencies and medical transition
• Connections with others and psychosocial support

Conditions we treat include:

• Marfan syndrome
• Loeys-Dietz syndrome
• Familial aneurysm/dissection
• Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome
• Turner syndrome (with aortopathy)
• Aortic and arterial aneurysm/dissections of unknown etiology
• Bicuspid aortic valve with aortopathy
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, vascular type
• Arterial tortuosity syndrome
• Other genetic syndromes where aortic aneurysms are diagnosed upon cardiac workup

Our Team:

The William S. Smilow Center for Marfan Syndrome Research is based at Johns Hopkins, and our scientists have made many breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of Marfan syndrome. 

Genetic Counselor

Gretchen MacCarrick, M.S., C.G.C.

Staff

Catherine Kashmer, PA-C, physician assistant
Felicia Bartee, clinic coordinator