Marfan syndrome is also called variable expression disorder because not everyone with Marfan syndrome has the same symptoms and the symptoms of Marfan syndrome can vary in severity.
Marfan syndrome is a part of a group of hereditary connective tissue disorders that are called hereditary aortopathies.
Other conditions in this group also include.
Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) which is A condition that shares many features with Marfan syndrome.
Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome (SGS) which is A condition that shares many features with MFS and LDS, but also includes intellectual disability.
Congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA) which is also known as Beals-Hecht syndrome, this condition shares features with MFS in the cardiovascular and skeletal systems.
Marfan syndrome is present at birth although you may not be diagnosed with Marfan syndrome until you're a teen or young adult.
Marfan syndrome affects men and women equally and occurs among all races and ethnic groups.
Because it's a genetic condition, the greatest risk factor for Marfan syndrome is having a parent with the disorder.
People with Marfan syndrome are often tall with long, thin arms and legs and spider-like fingers (called arachnodactyly).
The length of the arms is greater than height when arms are stretched out.
The expected lifespan of a person with Marfan syndrome used to be around the mid-40s age group, but now extends into the 70s – which is comparable to the general population.
This improved lifespan is mainly due to improved awareness of Marfan syndrome across health professionals.