Question 1

what is marfan syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Genetic disorder: Of connective tissue that affects many bodily systems.The national Marfan foundation has a very nice website that will answer any questions you have about Marfan syndrome. Go to www.Marfan.Org.

Question 2

what causes marfan syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Genetic mutation: Marfan syndrome is caused by a gene mutation (in the fbn1 gene). A mutation leads to defective, weakened connective tissue throughout the body. Symptoms show up in the parts of the body where shape and structural integrity relies a lot on the weakened type of connective tissue.

Question 3

is marfan syndrome preventable?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Marfan syndrome is preventable when the adults who know they have Marfan syndrome thoughtfully choose not to have biological children (50% of their children would have the disease). Some cases are not preventable, such as the 20-30% of Marfan syndrome persons who have the disease from a new mutation (neither parent had a mutation).

Question 4

how does marfan syndrome affect the heart?

Accepted Answer

Aorta Dilitation: Marfan's syndrome is a congenital abnormality which can lead to an abnormality in the lining of the aorta or problems with heart valves.  The most common abnormality is a dilatation of the ascending aorta which can lead to an aneurysm as well a a backward leak of the aortic valve.  An echocardiogram helps make the diagnosis.  If the he problem is severe it can be corrected surgically.

Question 5

why do people with marfan syndrome develop scoliosis?

Accepted Answer

Connective tisssue: Marfans syndrome is a genetic condition that affects the body's connective tissue. The development of scoliosis in marfan's is caused by abnormally loose ligaments of the spine and rapid growth of children with marfan's.

Question 6

what's the difference between marfan syndrome and eds?

Accepted Answer

Stature and heart: Marfans people are tall, skinny, with valve problems, joint instability, but also have aortic problems. Ehlers danlos  has hypermobility, subluxations, but also certain types of eds have tissue fragility, spontaneous pneumothorax, joint subluxation, and has difficulty healing.

Question 7

can a person who has marfan syndrome still grow muscle?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Marfan syndrome patients can have mild to severe symptoms. Their muscles can grow, but there may be weakness in the connective tissues that help support the muscles and attach muscles to other parts of the body.

Question 8

i have scoliosis, does that mean i also have marfan syndrome?

Accepted Answer

No,: Marfan's is diagnosed using major and minor criteria: major (enlarged aorta/ tear, dislocation of lens of the eye, specific skeletal abnormalities, dural ectasia. Minor (myopia, stretch marks, loose joints, arched palate, long thin face)  if family history is positive, you need to have 1 major and one minor criteria. If no family history you need 2 major and 1 minor criteria/ different parts /body.

Question 9

which symptoms of marfan syndrome can be treated with cannabis?

Accepted Answer

Not needed: Cannabis or marijuana is not needed in the treatment of Marfan syndrome.

Question 10

please help! if i have scoliosis, do i also have marfan syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Scolosis: While marfan's can be a part of scolosis they are not at all commonly related. There is much more scolosis without marfan's than there is with it.

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