Understanding Marfan Syndrome (MFS): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Explore Over 11,000+ Conditions, Medications, and Symptoms.

Get a personalized feed by signing up for free.

All Conditions

Marfan Syndrome (MFS)

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Marfan syndrome is a genetic condition that affect connective tissue that can be found in the heart, eyes, blood vessels and skeleton. People with Marfan syndrome tend to be tall and thin with long arms and legs. If the condition affects the aorta, which is the biggest blood vessel, carrying the blood from the heart to the rest of the body, it could be life threatening. There may also be heart, eye, and skeletal complications.

58 people with Marfan Syndrome (MFS) are on Alike.

"Alike is the place to get answers from people who firsthand share your health challenges"

Signs & symptoms

Marfan symptoms vary from patient to patient but may include tall and slender build, disproportionate long arms, legs and finders, abnormal breastbone appearance, a high and arched palate with crowded teeth, heart murmurs, extreme nearsightedness, abnormally curved spine, and flat feet.

Diagnosis

Marfan is not easy to suspect, but when the suspicion arises genetic testing may confirm the diagnosis. Heart tests like an echocardiogram, and CT an MRI imaging scans to show the blood vessels. Eye test including slit-lamp examination and eye pressure test may be needed.

Treatment

There is no cure for Marfan syndrome, but the treatment focus is to prevent complication that may occur. Medications like blood pressure lowering drugs are suggested to prevent the enlargement of the aorta, thus reducing the risk of dissection and rupture. Sometimes, aorta surgery is required to replace a portion of it with a tube. Other surgeries for scoliosis, breastbone correction and eye surgeries are sometimes needed.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

Latest Discussions

Espooky

Marfans and Top Surgery: Seeking Advice

Espooky

Non-binary with Marfans: LGBT+ Health Questions

PandaSky

Tips for Managing Stress in High Pressure Environments

beanslebean

Dealing with Pain and Anxiety

avid

Dealing with Joint Pain in Marfan Syndrome

Keppy

Coping with Marfans Complications: Need Advice

Alike Wisdom

Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences