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Published on: March 23, 2019
Lumbar spine in Marfan syndrome
K Tallroth1, A Malmivaara, M L Laitinen
1Orthopaedic Hospital of the Invalid Foundation, Helsinki, Finland.
Skeletal Radiology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Marfan syndrome patients frequently exhibit scoliosis and unique vertebral changes, including biconcave vertebral bodies. These findings highlight Marfan syndrome as a cause of "codfish vertebrae".
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Genetics
- Radiology
Background:
- Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue.
- Skeletal abnormalities are common in Marfan syndrome, but lumbar spine morphology is not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate scoliosis and vertebral morphologic changes in the lumbar spine of patients with Marfan syndrome.
- To identify potential new skeletal manifestations of Marfan syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Lumbar spine radiographs were analyzed in 28 Marfan syndrome patients and a matched control group.
- Evaluated for scoliosis, lumbosacral transitional vertebrae, and vertebral body shape (biconcavity) and transverse process dimensions.
Main Results:
- A high incidence of scoliosis (64%) and lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (18%) was observed in Marfan patients.
- Marfan patients exhibited more biconcave vertebral bodies and longer transverse processes relative to vertebral body width compared to controls.
- No serious low back problems were reported in either group.
Conclusions:
- Biconcave vertebral bodies (codfish vertebrae) are a newly identified skeletal manifestation of Marfan syndrome.
- Marfan syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with biconcave vertebrae.
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