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Marfan -- The Disease
An incurable condition, Marfan syndrome is characterized by defective connective tissues within the body. Connective tissues hold the body together and provide a framework for growth and development, so many different parts of the body can be affected, such as the skeleton, eyes, and lungs.
Some of the most common symptoms of this disease include:
- Long and slender fingers
- An arm span that exceeds body height
- Unusually flexible joints
- A long, narrow face, with a high roof of the mouth and crowded teeth.
There are several treatment options that can help minimize symptoms and prevent complications. The specific choice of treatment will depend on which body system is affected. For children and adults alike, having appropriate medical care, accurate information, and social support can make living with Marfan syndrome more bearable.
(To learn more about this disease, including how it is addressed during pregnancy, click Marfan Syndrome.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD