Marfan syndrome is a
genetic condition that affects connective tissue
, which provides support for the body and organs. Marfan syndrome can damage the blood vessels, heart, eyes, skin, lungs, and the bones of the hips, spine, feet, and rib cage.
How does Marfan syndrome affect cells?
Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects
the body's ability to make healthy connective tissue
, which supports the bones, muscles, organs, and tissues in your body. The condition can affect different areas of the body, including: Bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Organs, such as the heart and lungs.
What does Marfan syndrome do to connective tissue?
Marfan syndrome is an inherited disease that affects your body's connective tissue, which gives
strength, support, and elasticity to tendons, cartilage
, heart valves, blood vessels, and other vital parts of your body.
What protein is affected by Marfan syndrome?
Skeletal examination by an orthopaedist. Genetic test for a mutation in FBN1, the
fibrillin-1 gene
. Fibrillin is a component of microfibrils, a group of proteins that add strength and elasticity to connective tissue. A genetic mutation is found in 90 percent to 95 percent of people with Marfan syndrome.
How does Marfan syndrome affect the skeletal system?
Differences in the bones and joints are some of the more obvious signs of Marfan syndrome.
Weakened connective tissue can cause bones to grow longer than normal
. It also affects ligament tissue, making it loose and more flexible. Ligaments act like strong ropes to hold your bones together and keep your joints stable.
What famous person has Marfan syndrome?
Abraham Lincoln
is the most famous American who had Marfan syndrome. So did Julius Caesar and Tutankhamen. In more recent times, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, basketball prospect Isaiah Austin and, perhaps, al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden had Marfan syndrome.
Is Marfan syndrome considered a disability?
If you are suffering from a severe case of Marfan syndrome and it has made you unable to work, you may be eligible to
Social Security disability benefits
. While people from all around the world, of all races and genders, can suffer from Marfan syndrome, the symptoms of the condition have a tendency to worsen with age.
What is the life expectancy of someone with Marfan?
The mean life expectancy for untreated patients with Marfan syndrome
is 32 years
with aortic dissection, aortic rupture or cardiac failure due to mitral and aortic valve regurgitation as the predominant cause of death in > 90% of the cases.
Does Marfan syndrome get worse with age?
Marfan syndrome can be mild to severe, and
may become worse with age
, depending on which area is affected and to what degree. In Marfan syndrome, the heart is often affected. The aorta, the major artery of the body, may be more dilated (widened) than average.
What race is Marfan syndrome most common in?
Marfan syndrome affects men and women equally and occurs
among all races and ethnic groups
. Because it's a genetic condition, the greatest risk factor for Marfan syndrome is having a parent with the disorder.
Can you play sports with Marfan syndrome?
Participation in competitive athletics for the individual with
Marfan syndrome is prohibited except for low intensity sports such as golf, bowling, and others not associated with intense physical exertion and bodily collision
as outlined in the 36th Bethesda Conference
5
This recommendation is based on the concern that …
Does Marfan syndrome affect intelligence?
Marfan syndrome does not affect intelligence
.
Can Marfan syndrome skip generations?
Doctors there had more urgent news: The entire family could be at risk. “Dr. Bove told us we would need to be tested for the mutation that causes Marfan syndrome,” Post says. “He told us that
Marfan does not skip a generation
, so one of us likely had the syndrome.”
At what age is Marfan syndrome usually diagnosed?
We found a median age at
diagnose of 19.0 years
(range: 0.0–74). The age at diagnosis increased during the study period, uninfluenced by the changes in diagnostic criteria.
Why are people with Marfan's tall?
Marfan syndrome is
caused by defects in a gene called fibrillin-1
. Fibrillin-1 plays an important role as the building block for connective tissue in the body. The gene defect also causes the long bones of the body to grow too much. People with this syndrome have tall height and long arms and legs.
Can you be overweight with Marfan syndrome?
Conclusions:
Obesity is common in adults with Marfan syndrome
and is associated with an increased risk of aortic complications.
