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Marfan syndrome

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Definition:

Marfan syndrome is a disorder of connective tissue, the tissue that strengthens the body's structures. Disorders of connective tissue affect the skeletal system, cardiovascular system, eyes, and skin.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Marfan syndrome is caused by defects in a gene called fibrillin-1. Fibrillin-1 plays an important role as the building blocks for elastic tissue in the body. A problem with this gene results in changes in elastic tissues, particularly in the aorta, eye, and skin. The gene defect also causes overgrowth of the long bones of the body. resulting in the tall height and long arms and legs seen in persons with this syndrome. How this overgrowth happens is not well understood.

In most cases, Marfan syndrome is inherited, which means it is passed down through families. However, up to 30% of cases have no family history. Such cases are called "sporadic." In sporadic cases, the syndrome is believed to result from a spontaneous new gene defect.

• Review Date: 5/16/2007
• Reviewed By: Brian Kirmse, MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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