Do I Have Marfan Syndrome?

Do you have tall and slender build?

Do you have disproportionately long arms, legs and fingers?

Do you have an arm span that exceeds your body height?

Do you have a breastbone that protrudes outward or dips inward?

Do you have a high, arched palate and crowded teeth?

Do you have a diagnosis of heart murmurs?

Do you have extreme nearsightedness?

Do you have an abnormally curved spine?

Do you have flat feet?

Do you have abnormally flexible joints (loose joints)?

Do you have stretch marks on the skin that are not related to weight gain or loss?

Do you have a family history of Marfan syndrome?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have Marfan syndrome. Marfan syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder. Connective tissue plays an important role in the proper growth and development of your body. It also holds your organs and tissues together. Since connective tissue is found throughout the body, Marfan syndrome can affect the heart, blood vessels, bones, joints, and eyes. Approximately 1 in 5,000 people have this condition, and about 3 or 4 people with Marfan syndrome have inherited this condition from one of their parents. Although a person is born with Marfan syndrome, the symptoms are sometimes noticed later in life.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have Marfan syndrome. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue. People with Marfan syndrome have a defective gene that is responsible for producing a protein that gives connective tissue elasticity and strength. Some people have symptoms at birth, while others develop symptoms, such as aortic enlargement, as teenagers or adults. Marfan syndrome is a progressive disease, meaning it will get worse with age. For this reason, early diagnosis is vital. To make a diagnosis, a multidisciplinary approach is required, because the function of different systems in your body must be evaluated.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have Marfan syndrome. Marfan syndrome is a medical condition that affects connective tissue in various parts of your body. This is an inherited condition, although about 25 percent of cases are the result of a new gene mutation, which means that Marfan syndrome occurs in people who did not have a family history of this disorder. There is no cure for Marfan syndrome, and the goal of treatment is to prevent various complications, including heart and blood vessel diseases, eye disease or abnormal curves in the spine. Marfan syndrome is treated with medications and surgery.