What Is Marfan Syndrome?
Named after Antoine Marfan, the French doctor who discovered it in 1896, Marfan syndrome is a disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue, which is found everywhere in the body. Think of it as a type of “glue” that helps support all of your organs, blood vessels, bones, joints, and muscles. In people with Marfan syndrome, this “glue” is weaker than normal. This causes changes in many systems of the body, but especially the heart, eyes, and bones. People with Marfan syndrome often share similar traits. They tend to be tall and thin with very long arms, legs, fingers, and toes. They often develop curves in their spines (scoliosis) or their chest bones. They also may be nearsighted and have other problems with their eyes. But the most serious thing about Marfan syndrome is what can happen with the heart. Over time, weak connective tissue can cause the aorta, the large artery that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body, to stretch and dilate (say: dye-late), or wi
