Marfan syndrome: Difference between revisions
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[[File:MarfanwristMT.JPG|Marfan wrist|thumb]] [[File:Marfan thumb sign.svg|Marfan thumb sign|left|thumb]] [[File:Human chromosome 15 from NCBI Bookshelf.jpg|Human_ hromosome 15 from NCBI Bookshelf|thumb]] [[File:MarfanChest.jpg|Marfan Chest|thumb]] [[File:Marfan Patient.jpeg|Marfan Patient|thumb]] | {{SI}} | ||
[[File:Steinberg and Walker-Murdoch tests.jpg|Steinberg and_Walker-Murdoch tests|thumb]] [[File:"MARFAN ECLIPSE".jpg|MARFAN ECLIPSE|thumb]] | {{Infobox medical condition | ||
| name = Marfan syndrome | |||
| image = [[File:Ectopia_Lentis_in_Marfan_syndrome.jpg|left|thumb|Ectopia lentis in Marfan syndrome]] | |||
| caption = Ectopia lentis in a patient with Marfan syndrome | |||
| field = [[Medical genetics]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Tall stature]], [[long limbs]], [[arachnodactyly]], [[ectopia lentis]], [[aortic aneurysm]] | |||
| complications = [[Aortic dissection]], [[mitral valve prolapse]], [[retinal detachment]] | |||
| onset = Usually [[childhood]] or [[adolescence]] | |||
| duration = [[Chronic (medicine)|Chronic]] | |||
| causes = [[Genetic mutation]] in the [[FBN1]] gene | |||
| risks = [[Family history]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical examination]], [[genetic testing]] | |||
| differential = [[Ehlers-Danlos syndrome]], [[Loeys-Dietz syndrome]], [[Homocystinuria]] | |||
| treatment = [[Beta blockers]], [[angiotensin receptor blockers]], [[surgery]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on severity and management | |||
| frequency = 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 10,000 individuals | |||
| deaths = Risk of [[aortic dissection]] can be life-threatening | |||
}} | |||
[[File:MarfanwristMT.JPG|Marfan wrist|left|thumb]] [[File:Marfan thumb sign.svg|Marfan thumb sign|left|thumb]] [[File:Human chromosome 15 from NCBI Bookshelf.jpg|Human_ hromosome 15 from NCBI Bookshelf|left|thumb]] [[File:MarfanChest.jpg|Marfan Chest|left|thumb]] [[File:Marfan Patient.jpeg|Marfan Patient|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Steinberg and Walker-Murdoch tests.jpg|Steinberg and_Walker-Murdoch tests|left|thumb]] [[File:"MARFAN ECLIPSE".jpg|MARFAN ECLIPSE|left|thumb]] | |||
'''Marfan syndrome''' (MFS) is a genetic disorder affecting the body's connective tissue, leading to a variety of symptoms and physical characteristics. Individuals with Marfan syndrome often exhibit a tall and thin physique, elongated arms, legs, fingers, and toes, flexible joints, and scoliosis. The severity and range of symptoms can vary significantly among affected individuals. | '''Marfan syndrome''' (MFS) is a genetic disorder affecting the body's connective tissue, leading to a variety of symptoms and physical characteristics. Individuals with Marfan syndrome often exhibit a tall and thin physique, elongated arms, legs, fingers, and toes, flexible joints, and scoliosis. The severity and range of symptoms can vary significantly among affected individuals. | ||
==Signs and Symptoms== | ==Signs and Symptoms== | ||
Marfan syndrome affects multiple systems within the body, including the skeletal, ocular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and nervous systems. | Marfan syndrome affects multiple systems within the body, including the skeletal, ocular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and nervous systems. | ||
===Skeletal System=== | ===Skeletal System=== | ||
* Elongation of the arms and legs | * Elongation of the arms and legs | ||
| Line 11: | Line 28: | ||
* Scoliosis and other spinal deformities | * Scoliosis and other spinal deformities | ||
* Chest deformities, such as pectus excavatum (sunken chest) or pectus carinatum (pigeon chest) | * Chest deformities, such as pectus excavatum (sunken chest) or pectus carinatum (pigeon chest) | ||
===Eyes=== | ===Eyes=== | ||
* Lens dislocation ([[Ectopia lentis]]) | * Lens dislocation ([[Ectopia lentis]]) | ||
* Myopia (short-sightedness) | * Myopia (short-sightedness) | ||
* Increased risk of retinal detachment | * Increased risk of retinal detachment | ||
===Cardiovascular System=== | ===Cardiovascular System=== | ||
* Mitral valve prolapse | * Mitral valve prolapse | ||
* Aortic aneurysm and dissection | * Aortic aneurysm and dissection | ||
* Risk of sudden cardiac arrest | * Risk of sudden cardiac arrest | ||
===Lungs=== | ===Lungs=== | ||
* Increased susceptibility to spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung) | * Increased susceptibility to spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung) | ||
* Sleep apnea | * Sleep apnea | ||
===Nervous System=== | ===Nervous System=== | ||
* Dural ectasia, the weakening and expansion of the dural sac surrounding the spinal cord | * Dural ectasia, the weakening and expansion of the dural sac surrounding the spinal cord | ||
==Genetics== | ==Genetics== | ||
Marfan syndrome is primarily caused by mutations in the ''FBN1'' gene, which encodes the fibrillin-1 protein. This protein plays a critical role in the structure and function of connective tissue. Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder, meaning a mutation in just one of the two copies of the ''FBN1'' gene is sufficient to cause the disorder. Approximately 75% of cases are inherited from an affected parent, while 25% result from new mutations. | Marfan syndrome is primarily caused by mutations in the ''FBN1'' gene, which encodes the fibrillin-1 protein. This protein plays a critical role in the structure and function of connective tissue. Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder, meaning a mutation in just one of the two copies of the ''FBN1'' gene is sufficient to cause the disorder. Approximately 75% of cases are inherited from an affected parent, while 25% result from new mutations. | ||
==Pathogenesis== | ==Pathogenesis== | ||
The mutations in the ''FBN1'' gene lead to the production of abnormal fibrillin-1, disrupting the microfibrils that support and stabilize connective tissues. This disruption affects the strength and elasticity of tissues, contributing to the symptoms of Marfan syndrome. | The mutations in the ''FBN1'' gene lead to the production of abnormal fibrillin-1, disrupting the microfibrils that support and stabilize connective tissues. This disruption affects the strength and elasticity of tissues, contributing to the symptoms of Marfan syndrome. | ||
===Marfanoid–progeroid–lipodystrophy syndrome=== | ===Marfanoid–progeroid–lipodystrophy syndrome=== | ||
This is a related condition that shares some features with Marfan syndrome but also includes symptoms of progeroid and lipodystrophy syndromes. | This is a related condition that shares some features with Marfan syndrome but also includes symptoms of progeroid and lipodystrophy syndromes. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of Marfan syndrome is often based on the Ghent criteria, which consider family history, genetic testing, and the presence of specific clinical features in various body systems. | Diagnosis of Marfan syndrome is often based on the Ghent criteria, which consider family history, genetic testing, and the presence of specific clinical features in various body systems. | ||
===Revised Ghent Nosology=== | ===Revised Ghent Nosology=== | ||
The Revised Ghent Nosology provides a framework for diagnosing Marfan syndrome based on a combination of major and minor criteria spanning various organ systems. | The Revised Ghent Nosology provides a framework for diagnosing Marfan syndrome based on a combination of major and minor criteria spanning various organ systems. | ||
===Differential Diagnosis=== | ===Differential Diagnosis=== | ||
It is crucial to differentiate Marfan syndrome from other disorders with similar features, such as Loeys-Dietz syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. | It is crucial to differentiate Marfan syndrome from other disorders with similar features, such as Loeys-Dietz syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
While there is no cure for Marfan syndrome, management focuses on monitoring and treating symptoms to improve quality of life and prevent complications. | While there is no cure for Marfan syndrome, management focuses on monitoring and treating symptoms to improve quality of life and prevent complications. | ||
===Physical Activity=== | ===Physical Activity=== | ||
Strenuous exercise is generally discouraged, though specific recommendations may vary based on individual risk factors. | Strenuous exercise is generally discouraged, though specific recommendations may vary based on individual risk factors. | ||
===Medication=== | ===Medication=== | ||
* Beta blockers like propranolol or atenolol are commonly prescribed. | * Beta blockers like propranolol or atenolol are commonly prescribed. | ||
* Calcium channel blockers or ACE inhibitors may be alternatives. | * Calcium channel blockers or ACE inhibitors may be alternatives. | ||
===Surgery=== | ===Surgery=== | ||
Surgical interventions may be necessary to repair aortic aneurysms or replace heart valves. | Surgical interventions may be necessary to repair aortic aneurysms or replace heart valves. | ||
===Pregnancy=== | ===Pregnancy=== | ||
Women with Marfan syndrome face increased risks during pregnancy and require close monitoring. | Women with Marfan syndrome face increased risks during pregnancy and require close monitoring. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
With appropriate management, many individuals with Marfan syndrome have a normal life expectancy. Ongoing research continues to improve treatment options and outcomes. | With appropriate management, many individuals with Marfan syndrome have a normal life expectancy. Ongoing research continues to improve treatment options and outcomes. | ||
==Epidemiology== | ==Epidemiology== | ||
Marfan syndrome affects about 1 in 5,000 to 10,000 people worldwide and occurs equally among males and females across different races and regions. | Marfan syndrome affects about 1 in 5,000 to 10,000 people worldwide and occurs equally among males and females across different races and regions. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
The syndrome is named after Antoine Marfan, the French pediatrician who first described the condition in 1896. | The syndrome is named after Antoine Marfan, the French pediatrician who first described the condition in 1896. | ||
{{Phakomatoses and other congenital malformations not elsewhere classified}} | {{Phakomatoses and other congenital malformations not elsewhere classified}} | ||
{{Systemic connective tissue disorders}} | {{Systemic connective tissue disorders}} | ||
Latest revision as of 04:37, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Marfan syndrome | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Tall stature, long limbs, arachnodactyly, ectopia lentis, aortic aneurysm |
| Complications | Aortic dissection, mitral valve prolapse, retinal detachment |
| Onset | Usually childhood or adolescence |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetic mutation in the FBN1 gene |
| Risks | Family history |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, genetic testing |
| Differential diagnosis | Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Homocystinuria |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Beta blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, surgery |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on severity and management |
| Frequency | 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 10,000 individuals |
| Deaths | Risk of aortic dissection can be life-threatening |






Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a genetic disorder affecting the body's connective tissue, leading to a variety of symptoms and physical characteristics. Individuals with Marfan syndrome often exhibit a tall and thin physique, elongated arms, legs, fingers, and toes, flexible joints, and scoliosis. The severity and range of symptoms can vary significantly among affected individuals.
Signs and Symptoms[edit]
Marfan syndrome affects multiple systems within the body, including the skeletal, ocular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and nervous systems.
Skeletal System[edit]
- Elongation of the arms and legs
- Flexible joints
- Scoliosis and other spinal deformities
- Chest deformities, such as pectus excavatum (sunken chest) or pectus carinatum (pigeon chest)
Eyes[edit]
- Lens dislocation (Ectopia lentis)
- Myopia (short-sightedness)
- Increased risk of retinal detachment
Cardiovascular System[edit]
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Aortic aneurysm and dissection
- Risk of sudden cardiac arrest
Lungs[edit]
- Increased susceptibility to spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Sleep apnea
Nervous System[edit]
- Dural ectasia, the weakening and expansion of the dural sac surrounding the spinal cord
Genetics[edit]
Marfan syndrome is primarily caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene, which encodes the fibrillin-1 protein. This protein plays a critical role in the structure and function of connective tissue. Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder, meaning a mutation in just one of the two copies of the FBN1 gene is sufficient to cause the disorder. Approximately 75% of cases are inherited from an affected parent, while 25% result from new mutations.
Pathogenesis[edit]
The mutations in the FBN1 gene lead to the production of abnormal fibrillin-1, disrupting the microfibrils that support and stabilize connective tissues. This disruption affects the strength and elasticity of tissues, contributing to the symptoms of Marfan syndrome.
Marfanoid–progeroid–lipodystrophy syndrome[edit]
This is a related condition that shares some features with Marfan syndrome but also includes symptoms of progeroid and lipodystrophy syndromes.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of Marfan syndrome is often based on the Ghent criteria, which consider family history, genetic testing, and the presence of specific clinical features in various body systems.
Revised Ghent Nosology[edit]
The Revised Ghent Nosology provides a framework for diagnosing Marfan syndrome based on a combination of major and minor criteria spanning various organ systems.
Differential Diagnosis[edit]
It is crucial to differentiate Marfan syndrome from other disorders with similar features, such as Loeys-Dietz syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Management[edit]
While there is no cure for Marfan syndrome, management focuses on monitoring and treating symptoms to improve quality of life and prevent complications.
Physical Activity[edit]
Strenuous exercise is generally discouraged, though specific recommendations may vary based on individual risk factors.
Medication[edit]
- Beta blockers like propranolol or atenolol are commonly prescribed.
- Calcium channel blockers or ACE inhibitors may be alternatives.
Surgery[edit]
Surgical interventions may be necessary to repair aortic aneurysms or replace heart valves.
Pregnancy[edit]
Women with Marfan syndrome face increased risks during pregnancy and require close monitoring.
Prognosis[edit]
With appropriate management, many individuals with Marfan syndrome have a normal life expectancy. Ongoing research continues to improve treatment options and outcomes.
Epidemiology[edit]
Marfan syndrome affects about 1 in 5,000 to 10,000 people worldwide and occurs equally among males and females across different races and regions.
History[edit]
The syndrome is named after Antoine Marfan, the French pediatrician who first described the condition in 1896.
| Congenital abnormality syndromes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Systemic connective tissue disorders | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- Abnormalities of dermal fibrous and elastic tissue
- Disorders of fascia
- Systemic connective tissue disorders
- Syndromes affecting the heart
- Cytoskeletal defects
- Autosomal dominant disorders
- Rare syndromes
- RTT
- Collagen disease
- Genetic syndromes
- Syndromes affecting the lung
- Syndromes affecting the eyes
- Syndromes affecting the nervous system
- Syndromes with musculoskeletal abnormalities



