FBN1-related Marfan syndrome (Marfan syndrome), a systemic disorder of connective tissue with a high degree of clinical variability, comprises a broad phenotypic continuum ranging from mild (features of Marfan syndrome in one or a few systems) to severe and rapidly progressive neonatal multiorgan disease. Cardinal manifestations involve the ocular, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems. Ocular findings include myopia (>50% of affected individuals); ectopia lentis (seen in approximately 60% of affected individuals); and an increased risk for retinal detachment, glaucoma, and early cataracts. Skeletal system manifestations include bone overgrowth and joint laxity; disproportionately long extremities for the size of the trunk (dolichostenomelia); overgrowth of the ribs that can push the sternum in (pectus excavatum) or out (pectus carinatum); and scoliosis that ranges from mild to severe and progressive. The major morbidity and early mortality in Marfan syndrome relate to the cardiovascular system and include dilatation of the aorta at the level of the sinuses of Valsalva (predisposing to aortic tear and rupture), mitral valve prolapse with or without regurgitation, tricuspid valve prolapse, and enlargement of the proximal pulmonary artery. Severe and prolonged regurgitation of the mitral and/or aortic valve can predispose to left ventricular dysfunction and occasionally heart failure. With proper management, the life expectancy of someone with Marfan syndrome approximates that of the general population.

Ectopia lentis is defined as an abnormal stretching of the zonular fibers that leads to lens dislocation, resulting in acute or chronic visual impairment (Greene et al., 2010). Citing the revised Ghent criteria for Marfan syndrome, Loeys et al. (2010) proposed the designation 'ectopia lentis syndrome' (ELS) for patients with ectopia lentis and a mutation in the FBN1 gene who lack aortic involvement, to highlight the systemic nature of the condition and to emphasize the need for assessment of features outside the ocular system (see DIAGNOSIS). Genetic Heterogeneity of Isolated Ectopia Lentis An autosomal recessive form of isolated ectopia lentis (ECTOL2; 225100) is caused by mutation in the ADAMTSL4 gene (610113).