Marfan syndrome symptoms
The symptoms of Marfan syndrome can vary widely, even among members of the same family. Some people have features and symptoms early in life, but others don’t develop any signs until adulthood. The effects of Marfan syndrome may worsen over time. They can be life-threatening, depending on what parts of the body are affected.
People with Marfan often have:
- Arms, legs, fingers and toes that are longer than expected
- Taller stature than expected for the family
- Breastbone that sticks out or in (pectus exacavtum or carinatum)
- Crowded teeth
- Curved spine (scoliosis)
- Flat feet
- Heart murmurs, floppiness of the mitral valve (mitral valve prolapse), or widening of the aorta where it leaves the heart
- Nearsightedness
- Stretch marks on the skin that weren’t caused by pregnancy or weight gain/loss
Marfan syndrome can affect the heart and blood vessels. It can enlarge the aorta, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Aortic enlargement can lead to a bulge (aneurysm) or tear (dissection) in the aorta. The syndrome can also weaken heart valves, leading to heart failure. In addition, the syndrome can create sudden lung collapse, asthma, emphysema and sleep apnea.
Marfan syndrome can affect the bones and joints. For example, the breastbone can stick out or in. The spine may curve (called scoliosis), or swelling may occur around the spinal column. Many people with Marfan syndrome report foot pain and back pain.
Marfan syndrome can affect the eyes, causing a number of problems with vision. Issues include severe nearsightedness, a dislocated lens, a detached retina, and early glaucoma or cataracts.