Marfan Syndrome Support Group

Marfan syndrome received great public attention when the musical RENT premiered in 1996. The day before the musical premiered off-Broadway, its writer, Jonathan Larson, died of an aortic dissection, which was determined to have been caused by Marfan syndrome.

The most serious conditions associated with Marfan syndrome primarily involve the cardiovascular system. Marfan syndrome may cause leakage of the mitral or aortic valves that control the flow of blood through the heart. This may produce shortness of breath, an irregular pulse, and undue tiredness. Another complication is aortic aneurysm.

Marfan syndrome sufferers may grow to larger than normal height, and typically have long, slender limbs and fingers. Sometimes the fingers have a long, thin, spidery appearance known as arachnodactyly. In addition to affecting height and limb proportions, Marfan syndrome may produce other skeletal symptoms. Curvature of the spine (scoliosis) is a common problem, as is abnormal indentation (pectus excavatum) or protrusion (pectus carinatum) of the sternum. These symptoms may in turn cause unusual pressure on the heart and lungs. Other symptoms include; abnormal joint flexibility, high palates, flat feet, stooped shoulders, and dislocation of the optic lens.

Nearsightedness or myopia is a common condition associated with Marfan syndrome. In addition, the weakening of connective tissue often causes detachment of the retina and/or displacement of the lens in one or both eyes.[2]