Center for Rare Diseases and Conditions

About Our Program

While there are cardiovascular and pulmonary-related diseases and conditions that are common and highly prevalent in the United States, there are also an increasing number of previously considered rare disorders requiring attention. The HLVI Center for Rare Diseases and Conditions is committed to establishing a strong foundation for research, diagnosis and treatment of the most complex, rare conditions of the heart, and lungs, and vascular system.

Conditions and Treatment

• Heart-Related Complications of Pregnancy
• Cardio-Oncology (screening and management)
• Infectious Disease, including Endocarditis and Its Complications and HIV
• Autoimmune Disease of the Heart and Blood Vessels
• Genetic Diseases of the Heart and Blood Vessels (classified and unclassified)
• Trauma-related Heart Conditions
• Rare Interstitial Lung Diseases
• Langerhan's Cell Histiocytosis
• Cystic Lung Diseases
• Alveolar Proteinosis
• Lymphangioleiomyomatosis

Our Team

• Richard C. Becker, MD, Co-Director
• John Lynn Jefferies, MD, Co-Director
• Francis X. McCormack, MD, Co-Director
• George Smulian, MD
• Jean Elwing, MD
• Nishant Gupta, MD
• Umara Raza, MD
• Patricia Joseph, MD
• Bruce Trapnell, MD
• Sakthivel Sadayappan, PhD, MBA