Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue disorder characterized by unusually long limbs. The disease also affects other bodily structures—including the skeleton, lungs, eyes, heart and blood vessels—in less obvious ways. It is named for Antoine Marfan, the French pediatrician who first described it in 1896.

Symptoms

The most serious conditions associated with Marfan syndrome primarily involve the cardiovascular system. Marfan syndrome may cause leakage of the mitral or aortic valves that control the flow of blood through the heart. This may produce shortness of breath, an irregular pulse, and undue tiredness. Another complication is aortic aneurysm.

Related Topics:
Valves - Pulse - Aortic aneurysm

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Marfan syndrome sufferers may grow to larger than normal height, and typically have long, slender limbs and fingers. Sometimes the fingers have a long, thin, spidery appearance known as arachnodactyly. In addition to affecting height and limb proportions, Marfan syndrome may produce other skeletal symptoms. Curvature of the spine (scoliosis) is a common problem, as is abnormal indentation (pectus excavatum) or protrusion (pectus carinatum) of the sternum. These symptoms may in turn cause unusual pressure on the heart and lungs. Other symptons include; abnormal

Related Topics:
Finger - Spider - Scoliosis - Pectus excavatum - Pectus carinatum - Sternum

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joint flexibility, high palates, flat feet, stooped shoulders, and dislocation of the optic lens.

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Nearsightedness or myopia is a common condition associated with Marfan syndrome. In addition, the weakening of connective tissue often causes detachment of the retina and/or cornea.

Related Topics:
Myopia - Retina - Cornea

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