How Marfan Syndrome is diagnosed

Marfan Syndrome is diagnosed by many doctors because it affects many parts of the body, a geneticist (gene doctor), a cardiologist (heart doctor), ophthalmologist (eye doctor), and an orthopedist (bone doctor).  The geneticist looks to see if there has been any family history of Marfan Syndrome, because this disorder is inherited.  A cardiologist will see if the patient has any heart problems, one of the main affects of Marfan Syndrome is dilation of the aorta (part of the heart).  The ophthalmologist will then check for any lens dilations and any other abnormalities.  The orthopedist will check for curves in the spine, indentions of the chest, joint problems and flat feet.  Diagnosing for Marfan Syndrome is very strict, most of the affects can be found in many people.  If the person has a family history and has many of the symptoms they will be diagnosed.



"Marfan Syndrome." KidsHealth - the Web's Most Visited Site about Children's Health. Web. 12 Mar. 2011. <http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/eyes/marfan.html#>.