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Marfan syndrome
Eric D Shirley1, Paul D Sponseller
1Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA, USA.
Insights
Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by fibrillin-1 mutations, often involves severe musculoskeletal issues like scoliosis and dural ectasia. These complications can lead to faster progression, surgical challenges, and hip joint problems.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder.
- Mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene are the primary cause.
- Diagnosis relies on the Ghent nosology criteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the musculoskeletal manifestations of Marfan syndrome.
- To compare scoliosis in Marfan syndrome patients versus idiopathic scoliosis.
- To highlight complications associated with dural ectasia and protrusio acetabuli.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical data and diagnostic criteria.
- Comparative analysis of Marfan syndrome patients and those with idiopathic scoliosis.
- Description of Marfan syndrome's impact on skeletal structures.
Main Results:
- Marfan syndrome patients exhibit faster scoliosis progression and reduced response to bracing.
- Scoliosis surgery in these patients involves increased blood loss and complications.
- Dural ectasia is more frequent, causing pain, and protrusio acetabuli can lead to hip arthritis.
Conclusions:
- Marfan syndrome presents significant musculoskeletal challenges, particularly scoliosis and dural ectasia.
- These manifestations require specialized management and can lead to severe complications.
- Understanding these features is crucial for patient care and treatment strategies.
Abstract:
Marfan syndrome is a variable autosomal dominant disorder; most cases result from mutations of fibrillin-1. Diagnosis is guided by the Ghent nosology. The condition may manifest in the cardiovascular and ocular systems. Musculoskeletal manifestations include scoliosis, dural ectasia, protrusio acetabuli, and ligamentous laxity. Compared with patients with idiopathic scoliosis, patients with Marfan syndrome tend to have scoliosis that progresses at a faster rate and is more resistant to bracing; undergo scoliosis surgery complicated by greater blood loss, pseudarthrosis, and additional curvature; and have more frequent occurrences of dural ectasia, which may cause headaches, leg pain, or perineal pain. Protrusio acetabuli may result in hip joint arthritis and may require valgus osteotomy or total hip arthroplasty.
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