Marfan syndrome is a genetic condition that affects the connective tissues of the body. The defective connective tissue can affect multiple areas of the body, including the eyes, heart, and lungs. Some Marfan syndrome symptoms may include vision problems, crowded teeth, and heart-related complications. There is no cure for this condition, and some people may have only mild symptoms, while others may have severe medical issues due to the severity of the Marfan syndrome symptoms. Treatment is aimed at each individual symptom as it becomes bothersome or severe.
Some of the most noticeable Marfan syndrome symptoms often involve the skeletal system. In most cases, a person with Marfan syndrome is tall and skinny with loose joints. This condition is known to affect the various long bones of the body, so the arms, legs, and fingers and toes may seem disproportionately long in comparison with the rest of the body.
Marfan syndrome symptoms affecting one or both eyes are present in more than half of the people who suffer from this condition. The lens of the eye may shift to one side or appear either higher or lower than normal. Many patients are near-sighted and may have a variety of other visual problems as well.
The majority of those with Marfan syndrome will have problems with the heart or blood vessels. Marfan syndrome symptoms involving the cardiovascular system may involve heart valve defects, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat. A potentially life-threatening condition called aortic dissection may occur in some people. This happens when the primary artery leaving the heart tears or ruptures and can lead to severe health problems or even sudden death.
Problems with the nervous system may cause Marfan syndrome symptoms such as pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs. Abdominal pain and the development of back problems are also common. Skin issues such as the development of unexplained stretch marks may occur. Hernias occur when a portion of the intestines protrude through a hole that develops in the abdominal wall, and this occurrence is relatively common among those with Marfan syndrome.
The lungs are susceptible to damage or dysfunction due to this medical condition. These Marfan syndrome symptoms often involve shortness of breath, snoring, or sleep apnea. While there is no cure for Marfan syndrome, any symptoms that are particularly bothersome should be discussed with a doctor. There may be prescription medications or other treatment options available to help relieve some of the more troubling issues that may develop.
