The presenting symptoms of Marfan syndrome can be highly variable and, as a result, the diagnosis of the condition can be difficult. A detailed family and medical history should be taken to establish a clear picture of the individual’s health status, in addition to a physical examination and some diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis.

The diagnosis is most commonly made in the adolescent years, as this is the period when individuals tend to go through growth spurts and the symptoms of the condition are most evident.

It is difficult to diagnose the condition in childhood because the signs and symptoms are broad and may be confused with other health conditions. If Marfan syndrome is suspected in a young child, a tentative diagnosis can be made to allow for closer monitoring for symptoms and timely treatment if required.

Family and Medical History

In the initial consultation, both the family and medical history should be discussed in detail.

The medical history can help to identify any past signs or symptoms the patient may have experienced that may be indicative of Marfan syndrome. There is also a possible genetic link for the inheritance of Marfan syndrome, so if the syndrome has affected a close family member, it is more likely that the patient will be affected.

Physical Examination

The physical examination is designed to monitor for the specific symptoms that typically affect people with Marfan syndrome in the early stages of the disease. This usually involves listening to the heart, examining the skin for evident stretch marks and the body for features of the syndromes, such as long and thin limbs.

Diagnostic Criteria

The Ghent criteria are a diagnostic tool that aids health professionals in diagnosing Marfan syndrome and differentiating it from other syndromes with similar symptoms.

There are both major and minor criteria: major criteria are signs that are common in affected individuals but rare in healthy individuals, whereas minor criteria are common in both populations. To make a diagnosis of Marfan syndrome should have two of the major criteria and one of the minor criteria.

The major criteria include:

• Enlarged aorta
• Aortic tear
• Dislocation of eye lens
• Family history of Marfan syndrome
• At least four skeletal problems (e.g. flat feet or scoliosis)
• Dural ectasia

The minor criteria include:

• Myopia
• Stretch marks
• Loose joints
• Long, thin face
• High and arched palate

Other Diagnostic Tests

In most cases, Marfan syndrome is diagnosed based on the physical feature and the Ghent criteria. However, it may be necessary for patients to undergo further testing to confirm the diagnosis and differentiate the condition from other syndromes such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Beals syndrome. This may include:

• Optic examination by an ophthalmologist to confirm lens dislocation
• Echocardiogram to screen for abnormalities of the aorta
• Chest X-ray to highlight abnormalities of bones, heart and lungs
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to examine aorta and detent dural ectasia

Additionally, genetic testing for Marfan syndrome can be carried out, although it is difficult because the identified gene can mutate in many different ways. Currently, the testing available is able to detect genetic abnormalities in 97% of patients with the disease. However, it is a costly test that takes several months to provide accurate results.

References

• http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Marfan-syndrome/Pages/Diagnosis.aspx
• https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/mar/diagnosis
• http://www.healthline.com/health/marfan-syndrome#Diagnosis4
• http://www.marfan.org/expectations/diagnosis

Further Reading

• All Marfan Syndrome Content
• What is Marfan Syndrome?
• Marfan Syndrome Symptoms
• Marfan Syndrome Treatment

Written by

Yolanda Smith

Yolanda graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of South Australia and has experience working in both Australia and Italy. She is passionate about how medicine, diet and lifestyle affect our health and enjoys helping people understand this. In her spare time she loves to explore the world and learn about new cultures and languages.