Do I have Marfan Syndrome ?

I'm 12 (turning thirteen in October) and I'm in grade 8. I'm 5'8 and I weigh about 125 pounds, I am lean, I have long arms ( they go to my thighs) and long fingers and my pinky and thumbs are double jointed.My foot isn't flat and I wear size 11.5 but my toes aren't long. My chest is fairly good, I have no stretch marks, my face is like the letter U and my back is straight.

I am in agreement with the second person who answered. But I need to really stress that it DOES NOT have anything to do with the pituitary gland. It is a genetic disorder that is usually passed on directly from parent to child or in about 25% of cases it is a mutation if a specific gene. You need to ask your doctor what they think, ask to have an echo-cardiogram done to determine if you have any vascular involvment. If you do have it you need to know as soon as possible so you can begin either beta-blocker or Losartan treatments. I suggest you go to the National Marfam Foundation website for more information. From your description I might say you probably don't have Marfans. But at least you are looking out for yourself.

addendum: I just wanted to add that Gigantism and Marfans are 2 very different things. Most people with Marfans grow to between 6' and 6'6". Very few over 7'. I reached 6' when I was 13 andtoppedout at 6'1". But many people with Marfans are much shorter. I can't stress enough that if you suspect it, ask your doctor, maybe even ask for a referal to a cardiologist..
If you have any more questions feel free to contact me or one of the support groups I am involved with,

Marfans is a abnormality of the pituitary gland which causes individuals to grow to abnormal heights resulting in gigantism. Most men and women who have Marfans will grow in excess of 7 feet tall. Other symptoms besides extreme height include and enlarged heart and continued growth of the hands, feet, nose and ears. At 5鈥? you are tall, but unlikely to have Marfans.

Hi,
Does anyone in your family have marfan's syndrome? If so you could have it. It is a hereditary disease that is passed on by one of the parents. In rare instances there can be a mutant gene without passing it on. You also never mentioned if you were a boy or girl. For a boy if you are 5'8 and in 8th grade that is not a sign of marfan syndrome. Also most boys that age have long arms and being double jointed in the pinky and thumbs dont necessarily mean marfans. Have you been checked by a doctor? To determine marfans you have to meet alot of criteria including: bad heart, spine problems in some cases, vision problems, overcrowded teeth, long fingers, and long face. Tall and very skinny (but not always the case), sunken in chest etc....My sister has Marfan Syndrome so I know alot about it, so I wouldnt let it worry you. If you are really concerned you could talk to your parents and see a doctor about it just to rule it out. Good luck to you!