MARFAN SYNDROME
Marfan syndrome is a variable condition of the connective
tissue of the
body and may affect the eyes, skeleton, lungs, heart and
blood vessels.
It is hereditary in 75% of cases and spontaneous in 25%.
There is a 50/50 chance of passing on the marfan gene to
each child
from an affected parent.
A classic Marfan sufferer is usually tall and thin with
long arms and legs,
the joints of which are often lax and painful and prone
to dislocation.
Diagnosis is sometimes first made by an optician as the
lens can dislocate
( which happens in few other conditions ) and retinal detachment
may also occur.
The skeleton is often affected by scoliosis and this twisting
of the spine
can cause chest deformity. ( Pigeon chest or dipped - chest
)
It is believed that well over 10,000 people in the United
Kingdom suffer
from Marfan syndrome.
Information Courtesy of:
The Marfan Association
Marfan Association
Rochester House
Aldershot Road
Fleet, Hants
GU13 9NG
Tel: 01252 810472.
Fax: 01252 810473
Email: The Marfan
Association
For Further information visit the website
www.marfan.org.uk
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