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Marfanoid
View on WikipediaMarfanoid (or Marfanoid habitus) is a constellation of signs resembling those of Marfan syndrome, including long limbs, with an arm span that is at least 1.03 times the height of the individual, and a crowded oral maxilla, sometimes with a high arch in the palate, arachnodactyly, and hyperlaxity.
Signs and symptoms
[edit]Arachnodactyly (long fingers), long limbs, scoliosis (curved spine), a hidden feature of bony lip growth towards vestibular aqueduct (which can be seen in CT scan reports), and imprecise articulation of speech due to high-arched palate are all considered Marfanoid symptoms. Language and cognition can be affected in neonatal Marfan syndrome where intellectual disability exists. Hearing may be impaired, either by conductive loss due to hypermobility of ossicles, by inflamed tympanic membrane, or sensorineurally through the vestibular aqueduct. In cases with hearing impairment, giddiness and imbalance may co-occur. Other symptoms include crowding of teeth and long or flat feet, often with hammer toes.[citation needed]
Associated conditions
[edit]Marfanoid habitus is a constellation of symptoms which are generally associated with other syndromes such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (including often being seen in the Hypermobile type), Perrault syndrome and Stickler syndrome. Associated conditions include:
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B[1][2]
- Homocystinuria[3]
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome:[4] Marfanoid habitus is generally associated with kyphoscoliotic Ehlers-Danlos.
- Snyder–Robinson syndrome at SMS, whose incidence is about 1 in 5,000-10,000 in all ethnic groups
- Perrault syndrome : Marfanoid habitus is a nonspecific feature of Perrault syndrome.
Diagnosis
[edit]Medical diagnostic criteria to differentiate Marfanoid habitus from Marfan syndrome:[citation needed]
| Marfanoid habitus | Marfan syndrome | |
|---|---|---|
| Arm span to height ratio | >1.03 | >1.05 |
| Scoliosis | >5° | >20° |
References
[edit]- ^ Prabhu M, Khouzam RN, Insel J (November 2004). "Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome presenting with bowel obstruction caused by intestinal neuroma: case report". South. Med. J. 97 (11): 1130–2. doi:10.1097/01.SMJ.0000140873.29381.12. PMID 15586612. S2CID 27428744.
- ^ Wray CJ, Rich TA, Waguespack SG, Lee JE, Perrier ND, Evans DB (January 2008). "Failure to recognize multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B: more common than we think?". Ann. Surg. Oncol. 15 (1): 293–301. doi:10.1245/s10434-007-9665-4. PMID 17963006. S2CID 2564555.
- ^ Pagon, RA.; Bird, TC.; Dolan, CR.; Stephens, K.; Picker, JD.; Levy, HL. (1993). "Homocystinuria Caused by Cystathionine Beta-Synthase Deficiency". PMID 20301697.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ Yeowell HN, Steinmann B. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Kyphoscoliotic Form. 2000 Feb 2 [Updated 2013 Jan 24]. In: Pagon RA, Adam MP, Bird TD, et al., editors. GeneReviews™ [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2014. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1462/
Marfanoid
View on GrokipediaDefinition and Characteristics
Definition
Marfanoid habitus, also referred to as marfanoid, describes a phenotypic constellation of physical signs that resemble those seen in Marfan syndrome, such as tall stature, long limbs, and arachnodactyly, but without necessitating fulfillment of the complete diagnostic criteria for Marfan syndrome itself.[1][5] This descriptor is commonly applied to individuals exhibiting a slender, elongated body build that mimics the skeletal features of Marfan syndrome, yet it lacks the high specificity for confirming the disorder and is instead used to characterize similar appearances in various other conditions.[6] The term marfanoid emerged in the mid-20th century amid efforts to classify hereditary connective tissue disorders, drawing from the foundational observations of French pediatrician Antoine Marfan, who in 1896 first described arachnodactyly—unusually long and slender fingers—in a young patient, laying the groundwork for recognizing such skeletal dysmorphisms.[7][8] This etymological link underscores marfanoid as an adjective denoting resemblance to the eponymous syndrome, formalized as physicians like Victor McKusick delineated its features in the 1950s.[9] Quantitative assessments help delineate marfanoid habitus, including an arm span-to-height ratio exceeding 1.05 per the revised Ghent criteria and a reduced upper-to-lower body segment ratio below 0.85 in individuals of European descent (or 0.78 in those of African descent).[1][10] These metrics provide objective thresholds for identifying the elongated limb proportions central to the phenotype, though they must be interpreted in clinical context.[11]Physical Features
The marfanoid phenotype encompasses a distinctive set of skeletal and body proportion abnormalities that contribute to a tall, slender build. Individuals typically exhibit tall stature, often surpassing the 95th percentile for age, sex, and ethnicity.[12] Dolichostenomelia, characterized by disproportionately long and slender limbs relative to the trunk length, is a core feature that accentuates the elongated appearance.[13] Arachnodactyly, or abnormally long fingers and toes, is commonly demonstrated by positive wrist and thumb signs; the wrist sign is affirmed when the thumb and fifth finger overlap upon encircling the contralateral wrist, and the thumb sign when the thumb protrudes beyond the ulnar border of the hand with fingers overlapped across the palm.[14] Quantitative body proportion metrics further delineate the phenotype. An increased arm span-to-height ratio, typically greater than 1.05, reflects the extended reach relative to overall height.[2] A reduced upper segment-to-lower segment ratio, generally less than 0.85, indicates shorter trunk length compared to leg length; this ratio is derived by dividing the measurement from the pubic symphysis to the floor (lower segment) by the distance from the top of the head to the pubic symphysis (upper segment).[2][10] Several associated minor skeletal features are frequently observed. These include pectus deformities, such as pectus carinatum (protruding sternum) or pectus excavatum (sunken sternum), which arise from abnormal chest wall development.[15] Scoliosis, manifesting as lateral spinal curvature, joint hypermobility allowing excessive range of motion, and a high-arched palate are also prevalent.[14][15] Facial characteristics contribute to the overall dysmorphic appearance. Dolichocephaly, or elongated skull shape, malar hypoplasia with underdeveloped cheekbones, and retrognathia featuring a receding jawline, are typical findings.[16] These traits collectively define the marfanoid habitus, which shares phenotypic similarities with Marfan syndrome but appears across multiple genetic disorders.[2]Associated Conditions
Primary Genetic Syndromes
Marfan syndrome is the archetypal primary genetic syndrome featuring marfanoid habitus as a cardinal manifestation. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner due to heterozygous pathogenic variants in the FBN1 gene on chromosome 15q21.1, which encodes fibrillin-1, a key component of extracellular microfibrils. The revised Ghent criteria for diagnosis require the presence of marfanoid habitus—characterized by tall stature, long limbs, and arachnodactyly—combined with systemic features such as ectopia lentis, aortic root dilatation, or a systemic score of at least 7 points from skeletal, ocular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and dermal manifestations, often confirmed by identification of a FBN1 variant. The incidence of Marfan syndrome is estimated at 1 in 3,000 to 5,000 individuals worldwide, with no significant sex or ethnic predisposition.[13][14][17] Lujan-Fryns syndrome, also known as X-linked intellectual developmental disorder with marfanoid habitus, represents another primary syndrome where marfanoid features are defining. It follows X-linked recessive inheritance, primarily affecting males, caused by hemizygous pathogenic variants in the MED12 gene on Xq13, which encodes a mediator complex subunit involved in transcriptional regulation. Key clinical elements include marfanoid habitus with tall stature and long, slender extremities, alongside mild to moderate intellectual disability, behavioral disturbances such as emotional lability and hyperactivity, and macro-orchidism post-puberty. Distinctive facial features may include a high forehead, hypertelorism, and a high-arched palate. The syndrome is extremely rare, with prevalence unknown but fewer than 100 cases reported globally.[18][19][20] Marfanoid-progeroid-lipodystrophy syndrome (MPL syndrome) is a rare connective tissue disorder distinguished by marfanoid habitus integrated with progeroid and lipodystrophic elements. It arises from autosomal dominant inheritance via specific heterozygous mutations in the 3' end of the FBN1 gene, leading to truncated fibrillin-1 proteins that disrupt microfibril assembly and elicit premature aging phenotypes. Affected individuals exhibit marfanoid features like dolichostenomelia and arachnodactyly, coupled with congenital generalized lipodystrophy (except in gluteal and breast regions), neonatal progeroid appearance including wrinkled skin and prominent scalp veins, and accelerated linear growth discordant with low weight. Additional traits include joint laxity, myopia, and cardiac anomalies akin to Marfan syndrome, without typical metabolic derangements of lipodystrophies. Prevalence is exceedingly low, with fewer than 20 cases documented, underscoring its rarity.[21][22][23] Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome constitutes a primary craniosynostosis disorder with prominent marfanoid habitus. Inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, it results from heterozygous pathogenic variants in the SKI gene on chromosome 1p36.32, encoding a transcriptional regulator that modulates TGF-β signaling. Diagnostic hallmarks encompass marfanoid body habitus with tall stature, arachnodactyly, and pectus deformities, alongside craniosynostosis leading to turribrachycephaly or dolichocephaly, intellectual disability ranging from mild to moderate, and potential cardiac defects such as mitral valve prolapse. Facial dysmorphisms include hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures, and a prominent forehead. The condition is very rare, with a prevalence of less than 1 in 1,000,000, and approximately 70 cases reported in the literature.[24][25][26] Congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA), also known as Beals syndrome, is an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the FBN2 gene on chromosome 5q23, which encodes fibrillin-2. It is characterized by marfanoid habitus including tall stature, long limbs, arachnodactyly, and pectus deformities, but distinguished by congenital contractures (particularly of the large joints like knees and elbows), "crumpled" ear appearance, and scoliosis. Unlike Marfan syndrome, cardiovascular involvement is rare or mild, and ectopia lentis is absent. The condition is very rare, with prevalence estimated at less than 1 in 1,000,000.[27]Secondary or Overlapping Disorders
Homocystinuria, an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CBS gene, presents with marfanoid habitus characterized by tall stature, long limbs, and arachnodactyly, alongside ectopia lentis and a high risk of thromboembolism due to elevated homocysteine levels.[28] This metabolic condition arises from deficient cystathionine beta-synthase activity, leading to connective tissue abnormalities that mimic skeletal features of primary fibrillinopathies, but it is distinguished by its biochemical basis and potential for intellectual impairment in untreated cases.[29] Loeys-Dietz syndrome, inherited in an autosomal dominant manner from mutations in TGFBR1 or TGFBR2, features marfanoid habitus with tall stature and long extremities, often accompanied by arterial tortuosity, hypertelorism, and widespread aneurysms beyond the aorta.[30] These transforming growth factor-beta receptor defects disrupt vascular integrity and craniofacial development, resulting in overlapping skeletal traits like those in Marfan syndrome, yet with more aggressive vascular involvement and typical absence of ectopia lentis.[31] The MASS phenotype, an autosomal dominant condition linked to specific FBN1 gene variants, manifests as a mild marfanoid habitus including elongated limbs and pectus deformities, combined with mitral valve prolapse, myopia, and skin striae, but notably without aortic root dilation.[13] This entity represents a milder spectrum of fibrillin-1 dysfunction, emphasizing non-cardiovascular connective tissue involvement and serving as a differential consideration when aortic features are absent.[32] Vascular-type Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, caused by autosomal dominant mutations in COL3A1 affecting type III collagen, can include marfanoid habitus with slender build and joint hypermobility, alongside hyperelastic skin, easy bruising, and arterial fragility predisposing to ruptures.[33] The disorder's emphasis on collagen deficiency leads to thin, translucent skin and tissue fragility, contrasting with fibrillin-related syndromes through its prominent risk of spontaneous vascular events.[34] Stickler syndrome encompasses a group of autosomal dominant (primarily types 1-3 due to variants in COL2A1, COL11A1, or COL11A2 genes) connective tissue disorders characterized by vitreoretinal degeneration, sensorineural hearing loss, midfacial hypoplasia, and joint hypermobility or spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia. Some individuals, particularly in type 1, exhibit marfanoid habitus with tall stature, arachnodactyly, and pectus deformities, though short stature is more common in others. Ocular features include high myopia and retinal detachment risk, without the aortic involvement of Marfan syndrome. Prevalence is estimated at 1 in 7,500 to 9,000 individuals.[35] Marfanoid hypermobility syndrome is a distinct heritable connective tissue disorder combining marfanoid skeletal features such as tall stature, arachnodactyly, and pectus deformities with generalized joint hypermobility and mild skin laxity, akin to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) but without significant vascular or ocular complications. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, though the specific gene is often unidentified. This condition lacks the cardiovascular anomalies of Marfan syndrome and the severe fragility of vascular EDS, serving as a milder overlapping entity. It is rare, with limited cases reported in the literature.[3] In these secondary or overlapping disorders, marfanoid habitus emerges as a non-defining trait amid diverse etiologies, with most lacking the intellectual disability seen in conditions like untreated homocystinuria, thereby aiding differentiation from primary connective tissue syndromes centered on fibrillinopathies.[2]Pathophysiology
Genetic Mechanisms
Mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene (FBN1), located on chromosome 15q21.1, are the primary cause of Marfan syndrome and underlie the marfanoid habitus in many related disorders. These mutations typically result in haploinsufficiency or dominant-negative effects, leading to defective assembly of elastic microfibrils in the extracellular matrix.[13] This disruption sequesters and dysregulates transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), increasing its bioavailability and signaling, which contributes to the connective tissue pathology observed in affected individuals.[36] Seminal studies, including mouse models with Fbn1 mutations, have demonstrated that excessive TGF-β signaling drives aortic aneurysm formation and other features of the marfanoid phenotype.[37] Marfanoid habitus arises from disorders with diverse inheritance patterns. Marfan syndrome exemplifies autosomal dominant inheritance through FBN1 haploinsufficiency, where a single mutated allele suffices to produce the phenotype.[13] In contrast, Lujan-Fryns syndrome follows an X-linked pattern due to mutations in the MED12 gene on Xq13, which encodes a mediator of RNA polymerase II transcription and affects primarily males.[18] Homocystinuria, another cause of marfanoid features, is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner via biallelic mutations in the CBS gene on chromosome 21q22.3, leading to cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency and homocysteine accumulation.[28] The expression of marfanoid traits exhibits variable expressivity and age-dependent penetrance, even within families sharing the same FBN1 mutation, influenced by genetic modifiers and environmental factors.[13] De novo FBN1 mutations account for approximately 25% of Marfan syndrome cases, occurring spontaneously in individuals without affected parents.[13] Genetic testing for marfanoid disorders primarily involves targeted next-generation sequencing of FBN1 and associated genes, with deletion/duplication analysis to detect copy number variants. In classic Marfan syndrome, FBN1 sequencing yields a diagnostic rate exceeding 90% in individuals meeting revised Ghent criteria.[13] For other syndromic marfanoid conditions, diagnostic yields vary by phenotype and panel scope.[38]Connective Tissue Abnormalities
The pathophysiology of connective tissue abnormalities in marfanoid habitus varies by underlying condition. In fibrillinopathies such as Marfan syndrome, genetic defects disrupt the extracellular matrix through abnormal incorporation of fibrillin-1 into microfibrils, which compromises the structural integrity and elasticity of connective tissues in bones, ligaments, and blood vessels.[13] This malfunction arises from mutations in the FBN1 gene, leading to defective microfibril assembly that fails to provide adequate support for tissue resilience.[39] As a result, affected individuals exhibit reduced tissue compliance, contributing to the characteristic skeletal and vascular features of the condition.[14] A key consequence of this matrix disruption is the overactivation of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, as sequestered TGF-β is abnormally released from fragmented microfibrils.[40] This dysregulated signaling promotes excessive longitudinal growth in long bones by altering chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation during development, while simultaneously weakening aortic walls through increased matrix metalloproteinase activity and smooth muscle cell apoptosis.[41] In vascular tissues, the heightened TGF-β activity exacerbates elastic fiber degradation, heightening the risk of aneurysmal dilation.[42] In homocystinuria, accumulation of homocysteine and its metabolites disrupts connective tissue by forming adducts with proteins, interfering with collagen cross-linking and elastic fiber integrity, which contributes to skeletal overgrowth and lens dislocation.[28][43] For Lujan-Fryns syndrome, MED12 mutations affect transcriptional regulation via the Mediator complex, influencing developmental pathways that lead to marfanoid skeletal features, though the precise connective tissue mechanisms remain incompletely understood.[18] Histological examinations of affected tissues in fibrillinopathies reveal characteristic abnormalities, including fragmentation and disorganization of elastic fibers in the skin, aorta, and other elastic structures, often accompanied by excessive collagen deposition in certain variants.[39] These changes manifest as irregular, beaded microfibrils under electron microscopy and cystic medial necrosis in aortic samples, reflecting impaired elastic recoil and tissue remodeling.[44] Systemically, in conditions involving dysregulated growth signaling, these connective tissue alterations lead to elongated long bones via impaired endochondral ossification, where altered signaling delays hypertrophic chondrocyte maturation and prolongs the growth phase.[45] Joint laxity arises from ligamentous weakness due to diminished microfibril-mediated tensile strength or analogous disruptions, allowing hypermobility and instability in synovial joints.[41]Diagnosis
Clinical Evaluation
The clinical evaluation of marfanoid habitus begins with a thorough physical examination to identify characteristic skeletal and connective tissue features. Key measurements include height, arm span (distance between fingertips with arms outstretched), and body segment ratios, such as the upper segment (head to pubic bone) to lower segment (pubic bone to floor) ratio and arm span to height ratio, where values exceeding 1.05 may indicate involvement. For instance, an arm span-to-height ratio greater than 1.05 is a recognized metric in assessing elongated limbs. These assessments contribute to the systemic score outlined in the revised Ghent nosology, a standardized scoring system for connective tissue disorders, where a score of ≥7 points from features like arachnodactyly (2 points if both wrist and thumb signs present, 1 point if only one present), pectus deformities (carinatum: 2 points; excavatum or asymmetry: 1 point), scoliosis, and reduced elbow extension supports the presence of marfanoid features.[46] Imaging modalities play a crucial role in confirming and quantifying abnormalities. Echocardiography is essential to evaluate the aortic root diameter, using Z-scores adjusted for age and body size to detect dilatation (Z ≥ 2 in adults), which, while not exclusive to habitus, aids in contextualizing cardiovascular risk. Skeletal X-rays are employed to assess for scoliosis (Cobb angle ≥20°) and pectus deformities, while computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging may further delineate protrusio acetabuli or dural ectasia if indicated by clinical suspicion. Ophthalmologic evaluation via slit-lamp examination is performed to detect ectopia lentis, characterized by lens dislocation, often superotemporal in position.[47][48] Family history assessment involves constructing a detailed pedigree to identify patterns of inheritance, particularly autosomal dominant transmission, where affected first-degree relatives with similar features strengthen the clinical suspicion. This analysis helps determine if the habitus aligns with familial connective tissue disorders.[49] A multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive evaluation, integrating input from geneticists for scoring interpretation, cardiologists for echocardiographic assessment, and orthopedists for skeletal evaluations to achieve an accurate systemic score and guide further management. Genetic counseling is recommended to discuss risks, benefits, and implications of testing.[50][51]Differential Diagnosis
The differential diagnosis of marfanoid habitus involves distinguishing it from other connective tissue disorders and endocrine conditions that present with tall stature, arachnodactyly, and skeletal abnormalities. Key differentiators include specific clinical tests and features that help exclude mimics. For homocystinuria, a positive sodium nitroprusside test in urine detects elevated homocystine levels, which is absent in marfanoid habitus due to fibrillin-1 mutations.[52] Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), particularly the hypermobile or kyphoscoliotic types, can overlap with marfanoid features but is differentiated by marked skin hyperextensibility and fragility, assessed via simple skin stretch tests showing >1.5 cm extension on the midvolar forearm in adults.[53] Stickler syndrome shares vitreoretinal degeneration and joint laxity but is distinguished by prominent sensorineural hearing loss and midface hypoplasia, often confirmed by audiometry and ophthalmic evaluation.[35] Comparative features across related syndromes aid in precise classification, as shown in the table below. Ectopia lentis is typically present in Marfan syndrome and homocystinuria but absent in MASS phenotype, which instead features prominent mitral valve prolapse without progressive aortic dilation. Aortic involvement is mild and non-progressive in MASS but severe and widespread in Loeys-Dietz syndrome, often involving arterial tortuosity and aneurysms beyond the root.[13][54]| Feature | Marfan Syndrome | Homocystinuria | MASS Phenotype | Loeys-Dietz Syndrome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ectopia lentis | Present | Present | Absent | Rare |
| Aortic root dilation | Progressive, severe | Absent or mild | Borderline, non-progressive | Severe, with tortuosity |
| Skin findings | Striae | Normal | Nonspecific stretch marks | Translucent, easy bruising |
| Intellectual involvement | Absent | Often present | Absent | Absent |
