A 31-year-old woman from Mumbai, eight months pregnant with twins, survived a rare and life-threatening heart condition after undergoing an emergency C-section followed by an 18-hour open-heart surgery.
Tejaswini Hire, a resident of Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar in Ghatkopar, was rushed to KEM Hospital after she complained of severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. Doctors diagnosed her with a tear in the aorta—the main artery carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Although doctors at KEM were preparing for surgery, the family grew anxious over the delays in diagnosis and treatment. Concerned for both mother and babies, they transferred Tejaswini to Jaslok Hospital, a private facility known for handling complex cases.
One Baby’s Heartbeat Fades, Prompting Emergency Delivery
By the time Tejaswini reached Jaslok, doctors could no longer detect the heartbeat of one of the babies. An emergency C-section was performed immediately, followed by critical heart surgery that lasted 18 hours.
“This was a case of aortic dissection caused by Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that weakens the body’s connective tissue,” said Dr Hemant Pathare, the cardiothoracic surgeon who led the operation. “The tear had extended to the coronary artery, the aortic valve was leaking, and fluid had filled her lungs. Her condition was deteriorating quickly,” he added.
Tejaswini and her newborn twins remained at Jaslok Hospital for over a month. The treatment—including the emergency delivery, open-heart surgery, and neonatal care—cost the family nearly ₹30 lakh.
“At KEM, we were told it might cost ₹4 lakh, but we lost confidence. We had to borrow from friends and family, and all our savings are gone,” said her husband, Nishant Hire. “But all three are alive—and that’s what matters most.”
A doctor from KEM Hospital responded, saying, “They chose to leave against medical advice. It was a high-risk case with low survival chances, but we were prepared to operate. Ultimately, the decision was the family’s.”
Dr Danny Laliwala, the gynaecologist who performed the C-section, explained how pregnancy can worsen Marfan syndrome. “Cardiac complications can strike anytime—from the start of pregnancy to after delivery. In such cases, the risk to the mother’s life is extremely high.”
A Rare Medical Miracle
Two months later, Tejaswini is still recovering but stable, and her twin daughters are healthy. She will require lifelong blood thinners and ongoing care. “This may be the first documented case where both mother and twins survived such a high-risk situation involving Marfan syndrome and aortic dissection,” said Dr Pathare.
What Is Marfan Syndrome?
Marfan syndrome is a genetic condition that impacts the body’s connective tissue—the supportive fibers that hold organs and other structures in place. This disorder most often affects the heart, blood vessels, eyes, and skeletal system.
People with Marfan syndrome typically have a tall, slender build with disproportionately long arms, legs, fingers, and toes. The severity of the condition can vary widely, ranging from mild symptoms to life-threatening complications.
One of the most serious risks involves the aorta—the main artery that carries blood from the heart. If the aorta weakens or tears, it can lead to a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Treatment usually involves medication to lower blood pressure and reduce stress on the aorta. Regular check-ups are essential to monitor any progression of the disease. In many cases, preventive surgery is needed to repair or reinforce the aorta and prevent serious complications.
