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Marfan Syndrome

By

Frank Pessler

, MD, PhD, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research

Reviewed/Revised Dec 2022
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Topic Resources

Marfan syndrome consists of connective tissue anomalies resulting in ocular, skeletal, and cardiovascular abnormalities (eg, dilation of ascending aorta, which can lead to aortic dissection Aortic Dissection Aortic dissection is the surging of blood through a tear in the aortic intima with separation of the intima and media and creation of a false lumen (channel). The intimal tear may be a primary... read more Aortic Dissection ). Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment may include prophylactic beta-blockers to slow dilation of the ascending aorta and prophylactic aortic surgery.

Inheritance of Marfan syndrome is autosomal dominant Autosomal Dominant Genetic disorders determined by a single gene (Mendelian disorders) are easiest to analyze and the most well understood. If expression of a trait requires only one copy of a gene (one allele)... read more . The basic molecular defect results from mutations in the gene encoding the glycoprotein fibrillin-1 (FBN1), which is the main component of microfibrils and helps anchor cells to the extracellular matrix. The principal structural defect involves the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and ocular systems. The pulmonary system and central nervous system are also affected.

There are many different manifestations of the genetic mutation that causes Marfan syndrome; however, it is typically recognized by the constellation of long limbs, aortic root dilation, and dislocated lenses.

Symptoms and Signs of Marfan Syndrome

Cardiovascular system

Major findings include

Most severe complications result from pathologic changes in the aortic root and ascending aorta. The aortic media is affected preferentially in areas subject to the greatest hemodynamic stress. The aorta progressively dilates or acutely dissects, beginning in the coronary sinuses, sometimes before 10 years of age. The aortic root dilates in 50% of children and in 60 to 80% of adults and can cause aortic regurgitation Aortic Regurgitation Aortic regurgitation (AR) is incompetency of the aortic valve causing backflow from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Causes include valvular degeneration and aortic root dilation... read more Aortic Regurgitation , in which case a diastolic murmur may be heard over the aortic valve.

Redundant cusps and chordae tendineae may lead to mitral valve prolapse or regurgitation; mitral valve prolapse Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a billowing of mitral valve leaflets into the left atrium during systole. The most common cause is idiopathic myxomatous degeneration. MVP is usually benign, but... read more Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) may cause a systolic click and a late systolic murmur or, in severe cases, a holosystolic murmur.

Bacterial endocarditis may develop in affected valves.

Musculoskeletal system

Severity varies greatly. Patients are taller than average for age and family; arm span exceeds height. Arachnodactyly (disproportionately long, thin digits) is noticeable, often by the thumb sign (the distal phalanx of the thumb protrudes beyond the edge of the clenched fist). Sternum deformity—pectus carinatum (outward displacement) or pectus excavatum (inward displacement)—is common, as are joint hyperextensibility (but usually small flexion contractures to the elbows), genu recurvatum (backward curvature of the legs at the knees), pes planus Pes planus (flat feet) Talipes equinovarus, sometimes called clubfoot, is characterized by plantar flexion, inward tilting of the heel (from the midline of the leg), and adduction of the forefoot (medial deviation... read more Pes planus (flat feet) (flat feet), kyphoscoliosis, and diaphragmatic Diaphragmatic Hernia Diaphragmatic hernia is protrusion of abdominal contents into the thorax through a defect in the diaphragm. Lung compression may cause persistent pulmonary hypertension. Diagnosis is by chest... read more Diaphragmatic Hernia and inguinal hernias Inguinal Hernia in Neonates Inguinal hernias develop most often in male neonates, particularly if they are preterm (in which case the incidence is about 10%). The right side is affected most commonly, and about 10% of... read more . Subcutaneous fat usually is sparse. The palate is often high-arched.

Musculoskeletal Manifestations in Marfan Syndrome

Ocular system

Findings include ectopia lentis (subluxation or upward dislocation of the lens) and iridodonesis (tremulousness of the iris). The margin of the dislocated lens can often be seen through the undilated pupil. High-grade myopia may be present, and spontaneous retinal detachment may occur.

Pulmonary system

Cystic lung disease and recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax may occur. These disorders can cause pain and shortness of breath.

Central nervous system

Dural ectasia (widening of the dural sac surrounding the spinal cord) is a common finding and most frequently occurs in the lumbosacral spine. It may cause headache, lower back pain, or neurologic deficits manifested by bowel or bladder weakness.

Diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome

  • Clinical criteria

  • Genetic testing

  • Echocardiography/MRI (measurement of the aortic root, detection of valve prolapse)

  • Slit-lamp examination (lens abnormalities)

  • X-rays of skeletal system (hand, spine, pelvis, chest, foot, and skull for characteristic abnormalities)

  • MRI of the lumbosacral spine (dural ectasia)

Diagnosis of Marfan syndrome can be difficult because many patients have only a few typical symptoms and signs and no specific histologic or biochemical changes. Considering this variability, diagnostic criteria are based on constellations of clinical findings and family and genetic history. (For more on diagnosis, see the revised Ghent nosology [2010], which heavily weights the presence of aortic root dilation or dissection, and lens dislocation.) Nonetheless, diagnosis is uncertain in many partial cases of Marfan syndrome.

Homocystinuria Classic homocystinuria A number of defects in methionine metabolism lead to accumulation of homocysteine (and its dimer, homocystine) with adverse effects including thrombotic tendency, lens dislocation, and central... read more can partially mimic Marfan syndrome but can be differentiated by detecting homocystine in the urine. Genetic testing for FBN1 mutations can help establish the diagnosis in people who do not meet all clinical criteria, but FBN1 mutation-negative cases exist. Prenatal diagnosis by analysis of the FBN1 gene is hampered by poor genotype/phenotype correlation (> 1700 different mutations have been described).

Standard imaging of the skeletal, cardiovascular, and ocular systems is done to detect any clinically relevant structural abnormalities and to provide information contributing to the diagnostic criteria (eg, echocardiography to identify aortic root enlargement).

In addition to the criteria established within organ systems, family history (first-degree relative with Marfan syndrome) and genetic history (presence of the FBN1 mutation known to cause Marfan syndrome) are considered major criteria.

Prognosis for Marfan Syndrome

Advancements in therapy and regular monitoring have improved quality of life and reduced mortality. Median life expectancy increased from 48 years in 1972 to near normal today in people receiving appropriate medical care. However, life expectancy is still reduced for the average patient, primarily because of the cardiac and vascular complications. This decreased life expectancy can take an emotional toll on an adolescent and the family.

Treatment of Marfan Syndrome

  • Induction of precocious puberty in tall girls

  • Beta-blockers

  • Elective aortic repair and valve repair

  • Bracing and surgery for scoliosis

Treatment of Marfan syndrome is focused on prevention and treatment of complications.

For very tall girls, inducing precocious puberty by age 10 with estrogens and progesterone may reduce potential adult height.

All patients should routinely be given beta-blockers (eg, atenolol, propranolol) to help prevent cardiovascular complications. These drugs lower myocardial contractility and pulse pressure and reduce progression of aortic root dilation and risk of dissection. Angiotensin II receptor blockers also may be given.

Prophylactic surgery is offered if aortic diameter is > 5 cm (less in children). Pregnant women are at especially high risk of aortic complications; elective aortic repair before conception should be discussed. Severe valve regurgitation is also surgically repaired. Bacterial endocarditis prophylaxis Prevention Infective endocarditis is infection of the endocardium, usually with bacteria (commonly, streptococci or staphylococci) or fungi. It may cause fever, heart murmurs, petechiae, anemia, embolic... read more Prevention before invasive procedures is not indicated except in patients who have prosthetic valves or who previously had infective endocarditis ( see Table: Procedures Requiring Antimicrobial Endocarditis Prophylaxis in High-Risk Patients in the US Procedures Requiring Antimicrobial Endocarditis Prophylaxis in High-Risk Patients in the US Procedures Requiring Antimicrobial Endocarditis Prophylaxis in High-Risk Patients in the US and see Table: Recommended Endocarditis Prophylaxis During Oral-Dental or Respiratory Tract Procedures* Recommended Endocarditis Prophylaxis During Oral-Dental or Respiratory Tract Procedures* Recommended Endocarditis Prophylaxis During Oral-Dental or Respiratory Tract Procedures* ).

Cardiovascular, skeletal, and ocular findings (including echocardiography) should be reevaluated annually.

Appropriate genetic counseling is indicated.

Key Points

  • Marfan syndrome results from an autosomal dominant mutation of the gene encoding the glycoprotein fibrillin-1, which is the main component of microfibrils, resulting in numerous possible deformities and defects.

  • Manifestations vary widely, but the principal structural defects involve the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and ocular systems, causing a typical constellation of long limbs, aortic root dilation, and dislocated lenses.

  • Aortic dissection is the most dangerous complication.

  • Diagnose using clinical criteria; genetic testing is often done.

  • Do imaging tests of the skeletal, cardiovascular, and ocular systems to detect structural abnormalities.

  • Give all patients a beta-blocker to help prevent aortic complications; treat other complications as they arise.

More Information

The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Drug Name Select Trade
Crinone, Endometrin , First - Progesterone MC 10, First - Progesterone MC 5, Prochieve, PROMETRIUM
Tenormin
HEMANGEOL, Inderal, Inderal LA, Inderal XL, InnoPran XL
GIAPREZA
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NOTE: This is the Professional Version. CONSUMERS: View Consumer Version
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