Marfan Syndrome Symptoms

Marfan syndrome is a disorder that affects the connective tissue

, or glue of the body. Though most people who suffer from Marfan syndrome mostly live normal and long lives, it is important to know the symptoms of this disease. Knowledge of the symptoms ist essential for a proper diagnosis of MFS, and only being diagnosed properly will guarantee someone will receive proper treatment and care. Proper treatment and care is what guarantees that those with Marfan syndrome live a long, relatively normal life.

Secondary Illnesses

Several secondary illnesses occur in those who have Marfan as a result of the weak connective tissue. Secondary illnesses in those with MFS include sleep apnea, emphysema, and COPD. All of these are due to the strain that Marfan syndrome puts on the heart and lungs, and is one of the reasons people with MFS are advised to avoid contact sports or strenuous physical activity.

Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system can often give telltale signs of Marfan syndrome through a number of problems. A weak aorta (the largest artery in the body, that connects to the heart), aortic dilation, aortic dissection, and leaky valves are all common in those with MFS. In some cases these problems may be fixed via surgery. In others, like in the case of an aortic dissection that was not caught soon enough, the outcome might be fatal.

Skeletal System

Skeletal symptoms of Marfan syndrome are probably the easiest to spot just from looking. People with Marfan syndrome are often extremely tall and thin, with very long legs, arms, fingers and toes, a condition called arachnodactyly. A person who has Marfan syndrome may have a very long thin face as well, and may have a severely arched palate and crowded teeth, or a small, receded lower jaw. Scoliosis, which is a curvature of the spine, and a deformed breastbone (pigeon chest protruding out and funnel chest sunken in) are also symptoms of MFS.

Eyes

Eye problems are very common symptoms of Marfan syndrome. A dislocated lens in the eye is often a problem, but can be repaired by surgery in some cases. Others who suffer from Marfan syndrome are nearsighted and may develop a detached retina. Glaucoma or cataracts are also common eye problems and in most cases these can be corrected by new and revolutionary surgeries.

Nervous System

The nervous system includes the spinal cord, the brain and the nerves of the body. Spine and brain arent only bones but have material and tissue between them. Degenerative disk disease, for example, is a symptom in those with MFS that causes the connective tissue between the vertebrae of the spine to degenerate and cause a bulge, slip, or otherwise damaged disk or more in the back. Dural ectasia is another common occurrence, and this is where the thin tissue covering the spine and brain, especially where the spinal fluid is found, weakens and causes pressure and bone erosion. Spinal cysts are another symptom of Marfan syndrome.

by: Susan Meyer

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