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Marfan Syndrome
Marfan Syndrome
Marfan Syndrome
MARFAN SYNDROME
OVERVIEW
Marfan syndrome is an inherited disorder that
affects connective tissue — the fibers that support
and anchor your organs and other structures in
your body. Marfan syndrome most commonly affects
the heart, eyes, blood vessels and skeleton.
OVERVIEW
People with Marfan syndrome are usually tall
and thin with unusually long arms, legs, fingers
and toes. The damage caused by Marfan
syndrome can be mild or severe. If your aorta —
the large blood vessel that carries blood from
your heart to the rest of your body — is
affected, the condition can become life-
threatening.
OVERVIEW
RETINAL PROBLEMS
Marfan syndrome also increases the
risk of a detachment or tear in the
retina, the light-sensitive tissue that
lines the back wall of your eye.
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EARLY-ONSET GLAUCOMA OR
CATARACTS
People who have Marfan syndrome tend to develop
these eye problems at a younger age. Glaucoma causes
the pressure within the eye to increase, which can
damage the optic nerve. Cataracts are cloudy areas in
the eye's normally clear lens.
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SKELETAL
COMPLICATIONS
SKELETAL
COMPLICATIONS
Marfan syndrome increases
the risk of abnormal curves
in the spine, such as
scoliosis. It can also
interfere with the normal
development of the ribs,
which can cause the
breastbone to either
protrude or appear sunken
into the chest. Foot pain
and low back pain are
common with Marfan
syndrome.
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