Marfan syndrome: improved clinical history results in expanded natural history

Abstract

Life expectancy for a person with Marfan syndrome has essentially doubled over the past four decades. During this period, the clinical histories of the organs managed routinely have improved, and will continue to be. Prominent examples are the eyes, the heart and aorta, and some features of the skeletal system. Meanwhile, the natural histories of organ systems that have not been subjected to treatment need to be described. This is particularly important as due to the improved life span many symptoms and organ systems are only recently being recognized as being intrinsic to Marfan syndrome. Examples are the distal aorta and peripheral arteries, ventricular function, the central nervous system, sleep apnea, and adiposity. As a result, each person with Marfan syndrome will need to be evaluated and followed by more specialists than previously. Moreover, the coordinator of diagnostic testing and clinical referral must be aware of the expanded phenotype as people with Marfan syndrome age and the importance of life-long management of classical and novel features. The benefits of increased longevity and its consequences need to be addressed by investigators, health-care providers, and patients alike.

Keywords: Marfan syndrome; clinical history; natural history; pleiotropy.