Skip to main content

Weill-Marchesani syndrome

Weill-Marchesani syndrome is a disorder of connective tissue. Connective tissue forms the body's supportive framework, providing structure and strength to the muscles, joints, organs, and skin.

Description

Weill-Marchesani syndrome is a disorder of connective tissue. Connective tissue forms the body's supportive framework, providing structure and strength to the muscles, joints, organs, and skin.

The major signs and symptoms of Weill-Marchesani syndrome include short stature, eye abnormalities, unusually short fingers and toes (brachydactyly), and joint stiffness. Adult height for men with Weill-Marchesani syndrome ranges from 4 feet, 8 inches to 5 feet, 6 inches. Adult height for women with this condition ranges from 4 feet, 3 inches to 5 feet, 2 inches.

An eye abnormality called microspherophakia is characteristic of Weill-Marchesani syndrome. This term refers to a small, sphere-shaped lens, which is associated with nearsightedness (myopia) that worsens over time. The lens also may be positioned abnormally within the eye (ectopia lentis). Many people with Weill-Marchesani syndrome develop glaucoma, an eye disease that increases the pressure in the eye and can lead to blindness.

Occasionally, heart defects or an abnormal heart rhythm can occur in people with Weill-Marchesani syndrome.

Inheritance patterns

The source lists the following possible inheritance patterns: Autosomal recessive; Autosomal dominant. More than one pattern can apply in different cases.

Other names

Brachydactyly-spherophakia syndrome

Brachymorphy with spherophakia syndrome

Congenital mesodermal dysmorphodystrophy

Marchesani syndrome

Marchesani-Weill Syndrome

Spherophakia-brachymorphia syndrome

WMS

Related patient information and medicines

Cervical rib

Patient information leaflet

Cervical rib

About 1 in 100 people are born with an extra rib called a cervical rib. About 1 in 10 people who have a cervical rib develop thoracic outlet syndrome. This happens if the cervical rib squashes the nerves and blood vessels going into the arm. Treatment can include painkillers, physiotherapy and sometimes surgery to relieve the compression caused.

Marfan syndrome

Patient information leaflet

Marfan syndrome

Marfan syndrome (named after Dr Antoine Marfan, the French doctor who first described it in 1896) is a genetic disorder which people are born with and which lasts lifelong. Marfan syndrome can affect different people in different ways. Some people have mild symptoms; other people have more severe symptoms. You may have a history of Marfan syndrome.

Hypermobility spectrum disorders

Patient information leaflet

Hypermobility spectrum disorders

Hypermobility spectrum disorders include all people with what used to be called joint hypermobility syndrome, and before that benign joint hypermobility syndrome. Anyone who has symptoms... Hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSDs) are a group of conditions that involve joint hypermobility (increased range of motion in the joints, sometimes referred.

Fetal anticonvulsant syndrome

Patient information leaflet

Fetal anticonvulsant syndrome

Fetal anticonvulsant syndrome (FACS) - also known as fetal valproate syndrome and fetal hydantoin syndrome - is a group of malformations that can affect some babies if they are exposed to certain medicines known as antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) while in the womb. Most women with epilepsy will have a healthy child. Women with epilepsy who are pregnant.

Cri du chat syndrome

Patient information leaflet

Cri du chat syndrome

Cri du chat syndrome is a chromosome problem caused by a missing piece of chromosome 5. The syndrome is called cri du chat (French for cry of the cat) because affected babies often have a high-pitched cry. Not all babies with the missing piece of chromosome 5 will develop cri du chat syndrome. Cri du chat syndrome may cause a variety of.

Down's syndrome

Patient information leaflet

Down's syndrome

Down's syndrome (also known as Down syndrome) is a genetic chromosome problem. Someone with Down's syndrome has an extra copy of chromosome 21 in the cells of their body. All people with Down's syndrome have some degree of learning disability. Down's syndrome may be detected before birth (prenatally) or after birth (postnatally). It cannot be.

Further reading and references

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
  • 18 Aug 2020 | Latest version
  • 1 Oct 2008 | Originally published

Join the conversation

Share your thoughts or experiences with others in our patient communities.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the community do not represent medical advice. For any health concerns, consult your GP or healthcare provider.
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.