To determine whether the Ghent Criteria (2010) can be reliably used in evaluating preadolescents and adolescents for Marfan syndrome by comparing aortic growth, systemic scores, and anthropometric features in individuals with and without Marfan syndrome.

A retrospective chart review was completed for patients less than 15 years of age referred for Marfan syndrome. Comparisons were made between the first and last visit. Paired t tests were used to compare Ghent systemic scores. Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to compare age, aortic root z scores, height z scores, and body mass index z scores. Recursive partitioning was used to identify combinations of factors to distinguish Marfan syndrome.

In total, 53 individuals met inclusion criteria (29 Marfan syndrome and 24 non-Marfan syndrome). Ghent systemic score increased in the Marfan syndrome group and declined in the non-Marfan syndrome. The non-Marfan syndrome group did not develop progressive aortic root dilation with age. Individuals with Marfan syndrome had higher median height z scores than non-Marfan syndrome, with no difference in median body mass index z score between groups. A combination of aortic root z score above 0.95 and Ghent systemic score above 3 was highly indicative of a Marfan syndrome diagnosis in children less than 15 years of age.

The Ghent criteria (2010) can be used to reliably exclude a diagnosis of Marfan syndrome in individuals less than 15 years of age. Genetic testing should be used as an aide in confirming or excluding the diagnosis of Marfan syndrome in individuals with an aortic root z score above 0.95 in combination with a Ghent systemic score above 3 at initial visit.