1. Marfan Syndrome Also known as Arachnodactyly, MFS, & Marfan Syndrome Type 1 and Type 2
By: Kianna Thompson

2. What is Marfan Syndrome?
It’s an inherited disorder of connective tissue, the tissue that supports your heart valves, cartilage, and vessel walls.
Mainly affects the heart, blood vessels, skeleton and eyes.
Characteristics: tall, thin, slender fingers, arm span that exceeds normal height, unusual flexible joints, narrow face and high roofed mouth with crowned teeth.
You can tell by looking at the person if they have Marfan because the person will have the slender fingers, very tall, and their arm span exceeds normal body height.

3. Which Gene?
Mutations in the FBN1 (Fibrillin 1) gene cause Marfan Syndrome.
The FBN1 gene provides instructions on how to make the protein Fibrillin 1.
Over 600 mutations on the FBN1 gene that causes Marfan Syndrome.
Located on the long arm of 15 chromosome at position 21.1

4. Common Problems
Nearsightedness and cataracts are also a common problem.
An abnormal bulging may develop in aorta. If it tears or ruptures it may cause a sudden death or serious heart problems.
Shortness of break, fatigue, and a fast irregular heartbeat.
This Syndrome can be fatal because it affects the heart.
If treated, it will not reduce the lifespan.

5. Statistics
In the United States, Marfan Syndrome affects 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 10,000 people.
Marfan affects males, females and different ethnic groups equally.
Nearly 2/3 of the people with Marfan have scoliosis or a sunken or barreled chest.
75% of people inherit Marfan from one affected parent.
25% of Marfan causes a new mutation in the gene (no history of syndrome in family).

6. Inheritance Pattern
It’s inherited in an autosomal dominate pattern which means one copy of the altered gene can cause the disorder.

7. Support Groups Many support groups American Heart Association
National Marfan Foundation
Annual Conference July 14-17, 2011 in Portland, Oregon
Connor’s Marfan Syndrome Support Group
10 yr old boy named Connor who started an online support group where kids just like him can support other kids.

8. Can you be tested? Body Testing Genetic Testing
Cheek
Skin
Blood
Genetic Testing
FBN1 testing is approximately $2000.

9. Is there Treatment? Heart Surgery Medication Lifestyle Changes
Aortic aneurysm repair
Most Common
Aortic valve repair, aortic valve replacement and mitral valve repair or replacement.
Medication
Beta- Blocking medications have been shown to slow down the enlargement of the aorta.
An Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB)
Blood Pressure and Heart Failure
Lifestyle Changes
Avoiding hard exercising and contact sports
Combination of Three
However, this syndrome genetic so there is not cure.

10. Interesting Facts Michael Phelps; Gold Medalist in Swimming
1931 German Family that had Marfan Syndrome
Pulling a teeth from a person with Marfan Syndrome can kill them
February is Marfan Syndrome’s Awareness month.
Abraham Lincoln, 16th president
Discovered by a French Pediatrician named Antoine Marfan.

11. Sources
Medic 8. "Marfan Syndrome." Medical Search Engine | Cosmetic Surgery, Dentistry Health Insurance Guides - Medic8. Web. 26 Jan <
 Mayo Clinic. "Marfan Syndrome - Diagnosis and Treatment Options at Mayo Clinic." Mayo Clinic Web. 25 Jan <