Marfan Syndrome Symptoms
Marfan syndrome can affect many parts of the body. As a result, the signs and symptoms of the disorder vary from person to person, even in the same family.
Marfan complications also vary, depending on how the condition affects your body. Marfan syndrome most often affects the connective tissue of the heart, eyes, bones, lungs, and covering of the spinal cord. This can cause many complications, some of which are life threatening.
Marfan Traits
Marfan syndrome often affects the long bones of the body. This can lead to signs, or traits, such as:
- A tall, thin build.
- Long arms, legs, fingers, and toes and flexible joints.
- A spine that curves to one side. This condition is called scoliosis.
- A chest that sinks in or sticks out. These conditions are called pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum, respectively.
- Teeth that are too crowded.
- Flat feet.
Stretch marks on the skin also are a common trait in people who have Marfan syndrome. Stretch marks usually appear on the lower back, buttocks, shoulders, breasts, thighs, and abdomen.
Not everyone who has these traits has Marfan syndrome. Some of these traits also are signs of other connective tissue disorders.
SOURCE:
NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
