Efficacy of losartan vs. atenolol for the prevention of aortic dilation in Marfan syndrome: a randomized clinical trial

Therapy with b-blockers has shown a beneficial effect in reducing aortic dilation progression and has been proposed as the standard treatment for Marfan´s syndrome (MFS). However, angiotensin II-receptor blockers are emerging as potential alternatives to b-blockers. In this manuscript the authors describe the results of a phase IIIb randomized, parallel, double-blind study of 140 MFS patients comparing the effect of losartan and atenolol. Primary end-points were changes in aortic root and ascending aorta diameter indexed by body surface area (BSA) on MRI after 36 months of treatment. Results showed no differences in the effects of losartan and atenolol on changes in aortic root and ascending aorta diameters in MFS patients.