Saturday, May 4, 2013

Marfan Syndrome

Marfan Syndrome (‘síndrome de Marfan‘ in Spanish) is a disorder of the connective tissue. It is generally hereditary in nature. As you know, the connective tissues are the fibres that provide a frame to the body. It supports the body and gives it shape. When a person suffers from this disease, the body shape becomes somewhat abnormal. It can affect various body organs like the eyes, heart, skeleton and blood vessels. There is no specific cure for this condition. In some cases, it may even be life-threatening.

The disease first got its name in 1896. A French pediatrician named Antoine Marfan saw the symptoms of this disorder in a five year old girl. He was the first physiological expert to bring this health condition to light. The condition has been named after him.


SYMPTOMS

This particular disease has some unique symptoms. In most cases, these can be found out from a person’s physical features. Here are some of the well known Marfan Syndrome symptoms.

A. Length of body Parts

Generally, people suffering from this disorder are exceptionally tall. Even those who are not very tall are taller than average people. This is because the condition impacts the skeletal system of the affected persons. People suffering from this disorder also have long limbs. The arms, fingers, legs, toes and the face are long and thin. In medical terms, this disorder is called ‘Dolichostenomelia’.

B. Skeletal Abnormalities

Patients of this syndrome often suffer from skeletal curvature. In many cases, the person has a curved spine. The roof of the mouth is arched. This brings the teeth closer lending a disproportionate appearance to the face. In some people, the ‘sternum’ or breastbone is bulges outward.

C. Eyes

The disorder also affects the eyes. A person with this disease can have one or both his eye lenses located wrongly. The lens may be shifted to a side or located a little higher or lower. The dislocation may be a slight one or it may be more pronounced. This may also have an effect on the sight of the sufferer. The person may be myopic or short-sighted. He or she may also have glaucoma from an early stage of life. There can also be cataract problems resulting in unclear vision.

D. Skin

A person who has this disease may suffer from skin problems. In many cases, the patient has stretch marks on his or her body. A recent weight change can produce stretch marks in your skin. But stretch marks in Marfan Syndrome sufferers can be found even in the absence of a weight alteration.


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