1. An Autosomal Dominant Disorder of the Connective Tissues.
Marfan Syndrome
An Autosomal Dominant Disorder of the Connective Tissues.

2. Modes of Inheritance:
About 30% of cases occur when the abnormal gene arises in an egg or a sperm of an unaffected parent. Each child of a Marfan sufferer has a chance of inheriting the syndrome
Most cases occur as a result of inheriting the gene from an affected parent.

3. Pedrigree of Marfan Syndrome
1.1
1.2 I II
III IV
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
RED = affected
GREEN = unaffected
4.1

4. Symptoms: Irregular heart rhythms Leakage of the mitral valve
Curvature of the spine (scoliosis)
Pectus deformity
Disproportionate growth (usually tall)
Myopic (near-sighted)
Dislocation of ocular lens

5. Chromosomal Location:
A single abnormal gene located on chromosome 15 and containing the coding for fibrilin, a connective tissue protein, is responsible for the syndrome.

6. Frequency of Occurrence:
This condition affects both men and women of any race or ethnic group.
At least 200,000 individuals in the United States suffer from Marfan Syndrome.

7. Biochemistry of Marfan:

8. Diagnosing Marfan:
Marfan is difficult to diagnose because there is not a specific test for the disorder. However, certain tests are useful in diagnosing the ailment:
Echocardiogram (sound wave picture of the heart)
X-rays
Slit-lamp eye examination
Skeletal examination
Complete family history

9. Treating Marfan:
Every person with Marfan Syndrome should have regular echocardiograms to check the size and function of the heart and aorta.
A careful eye examination using a slit lamp to detect lens dislocation is recommended.
Glasses may be prescribed to correct visual defects.
Careful monitoring of the skeleton, particularly during childhood and adolescence, is necessary.
Beta blocker medications may be prescribed to lower blood pressure, to reduce stress to the aorta.
Antibiotics may be prescribed prior to dental procedures to reduce the risk of infection in people with mitral valve prolapse.
Adapted lifestyles, such as avoiding contact sports or strenuous exercise, to reduce the risk of injury to the aorta.