Marfan Syndrome

Marfan Syndrome was first identified in 1896 by French doctor Bernard J. A. Marfan.http://www.marfan-association.org.uk/id13.html#faq0 It affects the connective tissues in the body. Connective tissues are what holds body parts together and controls body growth. These tissues are found in all areas of the body, so the disorder can affect people in many ways. Areas that are affected most often include the heart, blood vessels, eyes, bones and joints. The skin and lungs may also be affected.http://www.marfan.org/marfan/2280/About-Marfan-Syndromeental

Marfan Syndrome is not a communicable disease; it is a genetic disorder that affects about one in 5000 people. The syndrome affects men and women and it affects all ethnic groups and races. There is no cure for Marfan Syndrome, but with proper care, people with the disorder have been known to live into their sixties.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000418.htm http://www.marfan.org/marfan/2280/About-Marfan-Syndromeental

Patients with Marfan Syndrome are usually very tall. They also have long, thin arms and legs. They may have spider-like fingers, a condition known as arachnodactyly. The span of their outstretched arms is usually longer than their overall height. They may also display the following symptoms:

• A chest that sinks in or sticks out.
• Flat feet.
• Highly arched palate.
• Crowded teeth.
• Hypotonia.
• Overly flexible joints.
• Learning disability.
• Dislocation of the lens of the eye.
• Nearsightedness.
• Small lower jaw.
• Spine that curves to one side (scoliosis).
• Narrow face.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000418.htm

Diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome can be difficult because there is no one test for it. A doctor will perform a physical examination of the eyes, heart, blood vessels, muscles and bones to check for abnormalities. A family history will be taken to determine if there has been anyone else in the family with the disorder. Tests may be ordered such as a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram or an echocardiogram. These will help the doctor assess changes to the heart and blood vessels and evaluate for any problems with heart rhythm. If problems with the aorta are suspected, an MRI or CT scan may be necessary.http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/marfan-syndrome

The most significant concerns for people with Marfan Syndrome are heart ailments. Some of the complications that can occur with the heart include:

• Aortic regurgitation.
• Aortic rupture.
• Bacterial endocarditis.
• Dissecting aortic aneurysm.
• Enlargement of the base of the aorta.
• Heart failure.
• Mitral valve prolapse.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000418.htm

Medicine is given to keep the heart rate low and prevent stress to the aorta. Surgery to replace heart valves or the aortic root may be necessary. People with Marfan are discouraged from participating in contact sports due to risk of heart injury. During pregnancy, women with Marfan are monitored closely due to the stress that can occur on the heart.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000418.htm

Other areas of the body that can be affected are treated as needed. Areas that will be monitored include the spine for scoliosis and the eyes for vision problems.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000418.htm Antibiotics are prescribed prior to dental procedures due to the risk of endocartitis. This is an inflammation of the heart that can occur when germs enter the bloodstream after a dental procedure.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/endocarditis/DS00409/DSECTION=causes http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000418.htm

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.