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I Have A Wingspan Greater Than My Height And Long

Posted on Fri, 18 Sep 2020

Question: I have a wingspan greater than my height and long fingers. I was told by a neurologist that I do not have Marphan’s Syndrome. I’m a 22 year old female with no history of it in my family at all. I am 5’5” and weigh 125 lbs. Is having a wingspan greater than your height and long fingers an indication that one would develop Marphan’s Syndrome later in life? Or is my long arms and fingers just the way I was born? I have no other features of Marphan’s Syndrome.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems not a Marfan syndrome.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.

I have read your query.

As you may know, Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting the connective tissue, inherited in 75% of cases.

Physical characteristics of Marfan syndrome include a tendency to be tall and thin, with long arms, legs, fingers, and toes, overly-flexible joints, and scoliosis.

So, just long fingers and a greater wingspan does not mean that you suffer from Marfan syndrome.

Furthermore, there is no evidence of inheritance.

People with this syndrome have heart and aorta complications too.

In conclusion, I don't think yours is a case of Marfan syndrome.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (24 hours later)

Thank you. Just to clarify, you’re saying that just a greater wingspan and long fingers does not indicate someone developing Marphan’s Syndrome later in life?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

yes, with only these body characteristics is very unlikely to develop Marfan syndrome in the future.

Hope I helped you.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (23 hours later)

I read that if one can wrap their thumb and pinky around their wrist with their thumb covering the pinky nail completely that it means that person most likely has Marfan syndrome. Is this true? I also have slight Hypermobility in my elbows and fingers. However, my neurologist says I do not have Marfan syndrome.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The diagnosis requires several signs to be fulfilled.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

That is a positive wrist sign in a person with Marfan syndrome, but the diagnosis is not achieved only by one indicator or sign.

The diagnosis of Marfan syndrome requires four skeletal signs with one or more signs in another body system such as cardiovascular signs, ocular signs, etc.

A positive family history also is a key factor in the diagnosis.

So, I don't think you suffer from Marfan syndrome, since you don't fulfill all the criteria.

Hope this helps.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee