Towards this goal, our group has developed a novel method of assessing the biophysical properties of the aorta by standard Echo Doppler techniques and have developed an accurate measure of PWV, which is considered the most important index of vascular function. In patients with MFS, we have demonstrated increased pulse wave velocity, reduced distensibility, increased stiffness in the large central arteries, and endothelial dysfunction—even if the aortic root had not yet dilated (see appended paper).