Marfan Syndrome
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Marfan syndrome is a disorder that weakens the connective tissue in your body. Connective tissue gives strength and support to tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and other parts of your body. Marfan syndrome may keep many of these parts of your body from being as strong as they should be. This can cause problems in your eyes, heart, blood vessels, and bones.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
Healthcare providers will check your vital signs.
Vital signs include blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. The providers will also ask about your pain.
Beta-blockers
help your heart beat softer and slower. This may prevent damage to your heart and aorta.
Tests:
You may be given contrast liquid before some of the following tests. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
- Blood tests give healthcare providers information about how your body is working.
- CT angiography, MRI, or x-ray pictures may show problems in your blood vessels, bones, or heart. Do not enter the MRI room with anything made of metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
- An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound. Sound waves are used to show the structure and function of your heart.
- Telemetry is continuous monitoring of your heart rhythm. Sticky pads placed on your skin connect to an EKG machine that records your heart rhythm.
- An eye exam may include devices or lenses to check for eye problems, such as glaucoma or cataracts.
Surgery
may be needed to repair your heart valves, blood vessels, or bones. Your provider may also need to repair structures inside your eyes.
RISKS:
- Without treatment, you may develop serious vision problems, such as retinal detachment. Retinal detachment means the retina pulls away from the blood vessels in the eye. This problem could lead to blindness if it is not treated. You may develop lung problems, such as a collapsed lung. This condition causes chest pain and shortness of breath.
- Your heart valves may become weak, preventing blood from flowing into your heart. Your heart may not beat correctly. The walls of your aorta may also become weak and widen. This may lead to a tear, leak, or aneurysm (bulge). An aneurysm can burst and cause bleeding inside your body. These problems may be life-threatening.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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Symptoms and treatments
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