Children with Marfan syndrome are at risk for serious problems involving the cardiovascular system, including the following:
- mitral valve prolapse - an abnormality of the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart that causes backward flow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium.
- arrhythmia (or disrhythmia) - a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat.
- aortic regurgitation - backwards leakage of blood from the aorta, through a weakened aortic valve, and into the left ventricle, resulting in stress in the left heart and inadequate blood flow to the body.
- aortic dissection - weakening of the layers inside the aorta, which can result in tears in the aortic wall and leakage of blood into the chest or abdomen; a medical emergency.
- deformities of the breastbone
- scoliosis - a sideways curvature and rotation of the vertebrae, giving the appearance that the person is leaning to one side.
- misalignment of certain bones
- joint contractures
- unusual arm span
- long fingers and toes
- dislocation of the lens in the eye