ARACHNODACTYLY (MARFAN'S SYNDROME) WITH SEVERE ANEMIA

• The condition characterized by elongation and narrowness of the long bones, particularly those of the metacarpals, fingers and toes, was named dolichostenomélie (long narrow limbs)) by Marfan in 1896.¹ It is now more generally called arachnodactyly (spider fingers), a term first used by Achard in 1902.² About 200 cases have been reported to date.³ Several observers⁴ have found a definite familial incidence in arachnodactyly. The condition is important chiefly because of serious lesions that accompany the bony abnormality. As is mentioned by Lloyd^4a and Burch,^4c dislocation of the lenses of the eyes occurs in at least half of the cases. Spinal curvature was reported first by Méry and Babonneix⁵ and is usually present,^4a being found especially as kyphosclerosis. These spinal deformities are generally attributed to muscular weakness rather than to bony deformity. Piper and Irvine-Jones⁶ stated that congenital disease of