Marfan Syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that affects most organs and tissues, especially the lungs, eyes, and heart. It is caused by a defect in the gene that produces connective tissue and is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning there is a 50% chance of passing it down to offspring. Symptoms include being unusually tall and thin with long limbs and fingers, as well as eye and heart problems. While there is no cure, treatment and surgery can help improve outcomes and lifespan. Famous Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has Marfan Syndrome.

1. Marfan Syndrome By: Stephanie Rambo and Kaleb Williams.

2. Marfan Syndrome is…. The Marfan syndrome is a connective tissue disorder. Tissues provides strength and flexibility to structures through out the body. Affects most organs and tissues and especially the lungs eyes and heart.

4. How is the disease tested or diagnosed? Several different types of doctors must be involved in diagnosing Marfan syndrome. They include a geneticist (a doctor who specializes in disorders of the genes), a cardiologist (heart doctor), an ophthalmologist(eye doctor), and an orthopedist(bone doctor).

5. Occurrence of the disease? This disease affects 1 in 5,000 people. Boys and girls of any ethnic background can get his disease. A child born to a parent has 50% chance of getting this. A child has 50% chance of passing it down to their children. affecting 1 in 10,000 to 20,000 people

6. Treatment of the disease? Treatment varies on the affected organ. There is no known cure. Medical treatment and surgery can improve patient’s long term outcome and their lifespan.

7. Interesting information Marfan syndrome is named after Antoine Marfan, the French doctor who first described the disorder in 1896.

8. Michael Phelps Michael Phelps was dominating for the 2008 Beijing Olympic games. But there is something that you don’t know about him. He has Marfan Syndrome. Phelps stands 6’4” and his arm span is 6’7”. He is also said to have hypermobile joints in his knees, shoulders and ankles. This disease helped Phelps with his swimming career. But later in life it may end up being a curse for him.

9. Work Cited; http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4672 http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/aorta_marfan/marfan.aspx http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/6446 http://www.mayoclinic.org/marfan-syndrome/ http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/6446 http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/genetic/marfan.html