Augmentation index and the evolution of aortic disease in marfan-like syndromes.

Background: The augmentation index at a heart rate of 75 beats/min (AIx@HR75) and central pulse pressure (CPP) can be measured noninvasively with applanation tonometry (APT). In this observational study, we investigated the relationship between AIx@HR75, CPP and aortic disease in patients with Marfan-like syndromes.

Methods: We performed APT in 78 consecutive patients in whom classic Marfan syndrome (MFS) had been excluded (46 men and 32 women aged 34 +/- 13 years).