One diagnosis, nine lives saved: Genetic testing alerts family to lurking danger
The Herlevic family carries the mutated gene causing thoracic aortic aneurysm—a deadly cardiovascular condition if left untreated.
When Matt Herlevic’s infant son was rushed to the hospital with a life-threatening aortic aneurysm, it set off a chain of genetic testing that revealed a hidden danger running through their family. Thanks to the expertise of Dr. Dianna Milewicz and her team at UTHealth Houston’s John Ritter Research Program, a rare TGFB2 gene mutation was identified—ultimately saving nine lives through early diagnosis, monitoring, and preventive treatment. Dr. Milewicz’s groundbreaking research continues to transform how families at risk for thoracic aortic disease are identified and protected. Read the full story ›