The 12th International Symposium on Marfan, Loeys-Dietz (LDS), Vascular Ehlers-Danlos (VEDS) and Related Syndromes is a two-day meeting that features cutting-edge research and discussion across basic, translational, and clinical science. It brings together early-career and senior investigators to:

• Identify genes associated with disease-causing mutations 

• Investigate the mechanisms by which mutations are translated into phenotype  

• Recognize the broad clinical range of aneurysm-related syndromes 

• Evaluate emerging and effective therapies 

• Address key research and management issues across cardiology, surgery, orthopedics, genetics, and ophthalmology 

• Review the latest research, risk assessment, treatment, and surgical updates specific to VEDS 

Early-career investigators are encouraged to submit their research for review. Submissions that include state-of-the-art science will be selected for oral presentations, with additional work presented during daily poster sessions and networking opportunities. The preliminary program will be released following abstract selection.    

Planning Committee 

• Peter Byers, MD, University of Washington (Co-Chair) 

• Bart Loeys, MD, PhD, University of Antwerp (Co-Chair) 

• Hal Dietz, MD, Johns Hopkins University (Co-Chair) 

• Catherine Boileau, PharmD, PhD, Hôpital Bichat 

• Gustavo Egea, PhD, University of Barcelona 

• Arturo Evanglelista, MD, PhD, Hospital Vall Hebrón 

• Alberto Forteza, MD, Quirónsalud Madrid Hospital and the La Luz University Hospital 

• Jared Griffin, Annabelle’s Challenge 

• Josephine Grima, PhD, The Marfan Foundation 

• Xavier Jeunemaitre, MD, PhD, Centre de Recherche Hôpital European Georges-Pompidou 

• Marlies Kempers, MD, PhD, Radboudumc 

• Mark Lindsay, MD, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital 

• Lauren May, MPH, The Marfan Foundation 

• Gretchen MacCarrick, MS, CGC, Johns Hopkins University 

• Gisela Teixidó Turà, MD, PhD, Hospital Vall Hebrón 

• Lynn Sakai, PhD, Oregon Health & Science University 

• Fleur S. van Dijk, MD, PhD, London Northwest University Healthcare 

• Tony Yasick, MD, DEFY Foundation 

• Maya Brown Zimmerman, MPH, CGC, Norton Healthcare 

This meeting focuses on clinical science in the field of genetically triggered thoracic aortic aneurysms, with the goal of enhancing collaboration, discussing gaps in knowledge, debating challenges and controversies, and sharing cutting-edge science. Session topics include: 

• Maternal & Aortic Health: Insights into Pregnancy in HTAD 

• Acute Aortic Syndrome Management 

• Imaging and Engineering Frontiers 

• Emergency Department Management of Acute Aortic Dissection 

• AI Applications: From Genes to Populations 

• Insights from Registries: Research To Improve Clinical Outcomes  

• Thrivorship – Incorporating Exercise and Improving Mental Health 

• Advances in Surgical Management 

• Pediatric Aortopathy Management 

 Specific learning objectives are to: 

• Evaluate and apply current international guideline recommendations (ESC and ACC/AHA) for the diagnosis, surveillance, and management of genetically triggered thoracic aortic disease, including areas of controversy and unmet clinical need. 

• Integrate registry-based and real-world evidence to improve risk stratification, timing of intervention, and medical management across diverse populations and genetic subtypes of aortic disease. 

• Utilize advanced imaging, biomechanical, and computational approaches to enhance the prediction of aortic growth, dissection risk, and patient-specific procedural planning. 

• Assess emerging artificial intelligence and digital health technologies for aortic disease detection, progression modeling, and personalized clinical decision-making. 

• Apply evidence-based strategies for acute aortic syndrome management and surgical intervention, including open, hybrid, and endovascular approaches, across adult and pediatric populations.

• Incorporate survivorship, quality-of-life, and lifespan considerations—including pregnancy, exercise, mental health, and transition of care—into comprehensive management of patients with genetic aortic disease. 

Preliminary agenda and speakers can be found here.

Planning Committee: 

• Julie De Backer, MD, PhD, Ghent University (Co-Chair) 

• Shaine Morris, MD, MPH, Texas Children’s Hospital (Co-Chair) 

• Kim Eagle, MD, University of Michigan (Co-Chair) 

• Alan Braverman, MD, Washington University 

• Arturo Evanglelista, MD, PhD, Hospital Vall Hebrón 

• Josephine Grima, PhD, The Marfan Foundation 

• Marion Hofmann Bowman, MD, University of Michigan 

• Kathyrn Holmes, MD, Oregon Health & Science University 

• Guillaume Jondeau, MD, PhD, Hôpital Bichat 

• Lauren May, MPH, The Marfan Foundation 

• Dianna Milewicz, MD, PhD, University of Texas at Houston 

• Gisela Teixidó Turà, MD, Hospital Vall Hebrón 

• José F. Rodríguez Palomares, MD, PhD, Hospital Vall Hebrón