Marfan--The Disease

• Marfan Syndrome

Marfan syndrome is an inheritable condition that affects the body's connective tissues. This eMedTV segment provides information about Marfan syndrome, including its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prognosis.

• Causes of Marfan Syndrome

The cause of Marfan syndrome is a defect in the fibrillin-1 gene. As this eMedTV article explains, this defect can be inherited, or it can occur spontaneously. This portion of the Web site discusses the causes of Marfan syndrome in detail.

• Symptoms of Marfan Syndrome

Common symptoms of Marfan syndrome can include flat feet, a long face, eye problems, and heart problems. As this eMedTV article explains, symptoms can vary widely among people with the disorder. This page takes a look at the symptoms of this condition.

• Marfan Syndrome Diagnosis

As this eMedTV article explains, a doctor will make a Marfan syndrome diagnosis based on the patient's medical history, physical exam, and test results. This part of the Web site talks about the specific criteria used for diagnosing Marfan syndrome.

• Genetic Testing for Marfan Syndrome

Genetic testing for Marfan syndrome can be a useful part of diagnosing the disorder. However, as this eMedTV article explains, it may not always provide additional information. This article describes genetic testing for Marfan syndrome.

• Marfan Syndrome Treatment

Marfan syndrome treatment can range from regular eye exams to medication to surgery. This eMedTV resource discusses several things, such as regular checkups with your doctor, that can help minimize and prevent complications of Marfan syndrome.

• Marfan Syndrome and the Skeletal System

Arms, legs, fingers, and toes may be disproportionately long in people with Marfan syndrome. This eMedTV article provides more information on these characteristics and describes the link between Marfan syndrome and the skeletal system.

• Living With Marfan Syndrome

Living with Marfan syndrome involves appropriate medical care, accurate information, and social support. This eMedTV article provides an overview of how these things can make living with Marfan syndrome easier.

• Is There a Cure for Marfan Syndrome?

Is there a cure for Marfan syndrome? As this eMedTV Web page explains, there is no cure, but there are several different treatment options that can minimize and prevent the complications of this disorder. This page talks about the search for a cure.

• Marfan Syndrome Prognosis

With an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the Marfan syndrome prognosis is good. This portion of the eMedTV site describes the Marfan syndrome prognosis in detail and describes the effects of current research on Marfan syndrome.

• Marfan Syndrome Research

As this eMedTV article explains, a current area of Marfan syndrome research focuses on finding ways to treat the complications that arise in people with the disorder. This Web page describes this and other areas of Marfan syndrome research.