The Montalcino Aortic Consortium (MAC) was established in 2013 at its first meeting of delegates in Montalcino, Italy on June 22-26. This first meeting was called and hosted by the Canadian Marfan Association (CMA), currently known as the Genetic Aortic Disorders Association (GADA) Canada. CMA/ GADA Canada saw the need for increased collaboration between professionals in the field of inherited aortic disease, in order to proliferate the rate of research translation for improved patient care. The first meeting was organized by GADA Canada through a grant by The Temerty Family Foundation and sponsorship by Casa Raia, Montalcino.
Over the last several years, research advancements have brought the emergence of new genetic mutations which predispose individuals to aortic aneurysms and dissections, at varying severity. The objective of this meeting was to develop a classification for heritable thoracic aortic disorders and Marfan syndrome in order to provide accurate diagnosis for patients while consequently resulting in better treatment and management outcomes.
The conference, chaired by Dr. Dianna Milewicz and Dr. Reed Pyeritz, brought together 12 specialists; researchers, basic scientists, and clinicians from around the world to establish this esteemed international consortium. Members of this group have committed to work together, collaborate, bring together data and ensure research moves forward at a faster pace for better patient care.
Dr. Reed Pyeritz served as the Chair for the MAC Executive Committee from 2013 – 2017 and was succeeded by Dr. Dianna Milewicz who is the current Chair. GADA Canada continues to manage and support the MAC Research Program.
MAC Founding members present at the first meeting in 2013 in Montalcino, Italy:
CMA/GADA Canada Directors: Josipa Paska, Ludmilla Temertey, Lisa Iliadis, Eric Coomes
Specialists: Reed Pyeritz, MD PhD; Dianna Milewicz, MD PhD; Catherine Boileau, PhD; Julie de Backer, MD PhD; Guillaume Jondeau, MD PhD; Eloisa Arbustini, MD; Ismail El-Hamamsy, MD PhD FRCSC; Nanette Alvarez, MD; David Liang, MD PhD; Irene Maumenee, MD; Rocio Moran, MD; Dieter Reinhardt, PhD.
The Marfan Foundation, USA: Josephine Grima, PhD