# Routine Scan Reveals Life-Threatening Condition

> A routine scan caught Marfan syndrome in a mother who survived aortic dissection after her father's death.
- Title: Routine Scan Reveals Life-Threatening Condition · Newsweek
- Summary: A routine scan caught Marfan syndrome in a mother who survived aortic dissection after her father's death. Ashley Veen, 35, survived aortic dissection after…
- Keywords: marfan syndrome, aortic dissection, fbn1 gene, connective tissue disorder, heart surgery, routine scan, genetic testing, marfan syndrome testing, aortic root, ascending aorta, bentall procedure, marfan syndrome family
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/i-put-off-routine-scan-it-caught-condition-that-killed-my-dad-12457520
- Published: 2026-09-19T09:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: marfan syndrome, aortic dissection, fbn1 gene, connective tissue disorder, heart surgery, routine scan, genetic testing, marfan syndrome testing, aortic root, ascending aorta, bentall procedure, marfan syndrome family
## My Dad's Legacy
I shared a strong bond with my dad, Bert Harvey Veen, who passed away on September 7, 2010, at age 55.
## Genetic Testing Revealed Mutation
Genetic testing showed a mutation in the FBN1 gene, linked to Marfan syndrome, which affects one in 5,000 people.
## Pregnancy Symptoms and Testing
While pregnant with my daughter in 2023, I experienced shortness of breath and dizziness, leading to genetic testing for Marfan syndrome.
## Diagnosis and Monitoring
Diagnosed with Marfan syndrome in September 2023, I had echocardiograms every two weeks and monthly ultrasounds during pregnancy.
## Delivery and Immediate Aftermath
My daughter was delivered via C-section at 36 weeks, and I hemorrhaged three liters of blood during delivery.
## Routine Scan Missed Symptoms
I put off my echocardiogram for a month, scheduling it for August 6, 2024, but it showed significant aortic enlargement to 5 cm.
## Emergency Aortic Dissection
Two hours after the scan, I had an aortic dissection and was rushed to the ER, where I underwent emergency surgery the next day.
## Surgery and Recovery
I underwent a Bentall procedure, replacing my aortic valve with a mechanical valve and repairing my ascending aorta with a graft.
## Family Connection
My father had Marfan syndrome and died from an aortic dissection while grocery shopping in 2010.
## Ongoing Monitoring
My aorta requires lifelong monitoring, with routine imaging to prevent future dissections.
## Family Testing Results
My aunt has Marfan syndrome, my daughter tested positive, and my son tested negative for the condition.
## Key takeaway

Ashley Veen, 35, survived aortic dissection after a routine scan detected Marfan syndrome, which her father also had.