Marfan syndrome (also called
Marfan's syndrome) is a
genetic disorder of
connective tissue. It has a variable clinical presentation, ranging from mild to severe
systemic disease. The most serious manifestations involve defects of the
heart valves and
aorta, which may lead to early death if not properly managed. The syndrome also may affect the lungs, eyes,
dural sac surrounding the spinal cord, the skeleton, and the
hard palate. People with Marfan syndrome tend to be unusually tall, due to the disorder causing people with the condition to have long limbs and long, thin fingers and toes.