Marfan syndrome is a disorder of the connective tissue.  Connective tissue holds all parts of the body together and helps control how the body grows.  Because connective tissue is found throughout the body, Marfan syndrome features can occur in many different parts of the body. 

Marfan syndrome features are most often found in the heart, blood vessels, bones, joints, and eyes. Sometimes the lungs and skin are also affected.  Marfan syndrome does not affect intelligence.   

About 1 in 5,000 people have Marfan syndrome. This includes men and women of all races and ethnic groups.