Children's Hospital Colorado
Marfan Syndrome Clinic

Marfan Syndrome

We treat kids like they should be treated: like kids. That’s why we designed our hospital just for them.

Best Children's Hospital by U.S. News & World Report Cardiology 2021-2 Badge

Get Care

Would you like to learn more about us?
Marfan Syndrome Clinic
Ready to schedule an appointment?
Schedule online
Do you have questions about your child’s condition?
Call

About Marfan syndrome in children

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissues that form part of body systems including the lungs, eyes, skin, skeletal system and the cardiovascular system. Children with Marfan syndrome are born with an abnormal copy (also known as a genetic mutation) of the gene Fibrillin-1.

Because Marfan syndrome is genetic, the only way to develop the condition is to be born with the gene that causes the disease.

How does Marfan syndrome in kids affect the heart?

Marfan syndrome in kids may affect his or her heart by weakening the wall of the aorta (the main blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body). If left untreated, the aorta can enlarge, and if it reaches a critical size, it may tear.

In some cases, children with Marfan syndrome have an abnormality of one of the valves inside the heart known as the mitral valve.

Who gets pediatric Marfan syndrome?

More than 70% of cases of Marfan syndrome in children happen with a family history of the disease. Many times a parent may not even know that he or she has the disease.

The remaining 30% of children with Marfan syndrome have no family history. This is called a spontaneous mutation.

Neither family-related Marfan syndrome nor spontaneous Marfan syndrome is preventable, but the symptoms of Marfan syndrome are very treatable.

Next steps

Get to know our pediatric experts.

Brian Fonseca, MD

Brian Fonseca, MD

Cardiology - Pediatric

Patient ratings and reviews are not available Why?

Elizabeth Chernuta, CPNP-AC

Elizabeth Chernuta, CPNP-AC

Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Patient ratings and reviews are not available Why?

Richard Friesen, MD

Richard Friesen, MD

Cardiology - Pediatric, Pediatrics

Megan SooHoo, MD

Megan SooHoo, MD

Cardiology - Pediatric, Critical Care - Pediatric, Pediatrics

Patient ratings and reviews are not available Why?