Jessica Johnson, a 36-year-old woman diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, faced significant health challenges during her pregnancy. Marfan syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects connective tissue and can lead to complications such as aortic aneurysms. After experiencing symptoms like labored breathing and heart palpitations, Jessica discovered she had two aortic aneurysms.
Shortly after this diagnosis, she learned she was pregnant with her first child. Despite consulting multiple physicians in the Canyon Lake area near San Antonio, Jessica was unable to find prenatal care due to her high-risk condition. This led her to UTHealth Houston where she connected with Rana Afifi, MD, a vascular surgeon specializing in young women with aortic diseases during pregnancy.
“I remember getting a call from Dr. Afifi, and she told me I needed to make my way to Houston right away,” said Jessica. Dr. Afifi emphasized the importance of evaluating Jessica's condition personally: “I wanted her to be evaluated by our team who specializes in complex aortic diseases and specifically in pregnant women with aortic disease.”
At UTHealth Houston, Jessica also met Baha Sibai, MD, an expert in maternal-fetal medicine at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. Dr. Sibai explained the potential risks involved but assured Jessica that she was receiving care from one of the best medical centers for high-risk patients.
“Losing this pregnancy was never an option for us,” stated Jessica. With support from both Drs. Afifi and Sibai, Jessica continued her pregnancy under close monitoring.
On October 21, 2023, Jessica delivered her son Damian via cesarean section two months before the due date. Post-delivery tests showed no change in the size of her aneurysms.
“This story highlights the critical importance of having a specialized team to manage young women with aortic disease,” noted Dr. Afifi.
Jessica now resides in Utah but plans to continue her care under Dr. Afifi’s supervision at UTHealth Houston if necessary changes occur in her condition.
“Damian is truly a miracle baby,” said Jessica about her son's progress and health milestones.
