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A Weill-Marchesani syndrome characterized by progressive joint stiffness, glaucoma, short stature and lens dislocation. It has been described in three members of a family (the grandfather, his daughter and grandson). It is likely to be transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. The acronym GEMSS (Glaucoma, Ectopia, Microspherophakia, Stiff joints, Short stature) was proposed as a name for the syndrome. This syndrome shows similarities to Moore-Federman syndrome.
Features include always present findings: Astigmatism, Short stature, Short metacarpal, and Iridodonesis and others. 53 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Heart and blood vessels | 5 | Aortic valve stenosis, Mitral regurgitation, Ventricular septal defect |
Eyes | 4 | Cataract, Lens luxation, Blindness |
Bones and joints | 4 | Excessive inward curve of the lower back (lumbar hyperlordosis), Joint stiffness, Delayed skeletal maturation |
Brain and nerves | 3 | Mild intellectual disability, Depressed glabella, Depressed nasal bridge |
Arms and legs | 3 | Short finger, Flexion contracture of toe, Broad phalanges of the hand |
Head and neck | 3 | Hypoplasia of the maxilla, Narrow palate, High palate |
Growth and development | 2 | Short stature, Proportionate short stature |
Muscles | 2 | Elbow flexion contracture, Flexion contracture of toe |
Skin | 2 | Thickened skin, Lack of skin elasticity |
Weill-Marchesani syndrome (WMS) is a connective tissue disorder that usually presents in childhood with short stature and/or ocular problems. The autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant forms of WMS share clinical manifestations in the following systems . Eyes. The mean age of recognition of an ocular problem is 7.5 years. Microspherophakia (small spherical lens) is the most important manifestation of WMS. Microspherophakia results in lenticular myopia (i.e., myopia primarily resulting from abnormal shape of the lens), ectopia lentis (abnormal position of the lens), and glaucoma (elevation of the intraocular pressure).
Source: GeneReviews — "Weill-Marchesani Syndrome"
FBN1 encodes fibrillin 1 (2,871 aa). Structural component of the 10-12 nm diameter microfibrils of the extracellular matrix, which conveys both structural and regulatory properties to load-bearing connective tissues. Highest expression in Cells Cultured fibroblasts (295.9 TPM) and Artery Coronary (63.8 TPM).
Weill-Marchesani syndrome 2, dominant is associated with mutations in the FBN1 gene on chromosome 15.
The FBN1 protein participates in Tropoelastin associates with microfibrils and Elastic fibre formation pathways.
FBN1 is classified as a druggable target (Druggable Genome, Hormone Activity, Kinase, and Transcription Factor categories) with score 13.1.
Given the limited number of individuals with WMS in the literature, no genotype-phenotype correlations for ADAMTS10, ADAMTS17, FBN1, or LTBP2 have been identified.
Source: GeneReviews — "Weill-Marchesani Syndrome"
The penetrance in those with autosomal recessive and dominant WMS is thought to be 100%. Intrafamilial and interfamilial variable expressivity is observed in WMS.
Source: GeneReviews — "Weill-Marchesani Syndrome"
No consensus clinical diagnostic criteria for Weill-Marchesani syndrome (WMS) have been published.
WMS should be suspected in individuals with the following clinical and radiographic features.
Clinical features
Eye anomalies including microspherophakia and ectopia lentis
Short stature
Brachydactyly
Progressive joint stiffness
Thickened skin
Pseudomuscular build
Cardiovascular defects (e.g., patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary stenosis, thoracic aortic aneurysm, cervical artery dissection, prolonged QTc)
Radiographic features
Shortened long tubular bones
Delayed bone age
Broad proximal phalanges
The diagnosis of WMS can be established in a proband with characteristic and/or by identification of biallelic pathogenic (or likely pathogenic) variants in AD...
Source: GeneReviews — "Weill-Marchesani Syndrome"
Ectopia lentis may occur in the conditions listed in . All, however, are clinically distinct from Weill-Marchesani syndrome (WMS).
Table 4.
Other Genes and Disorders Associated with Ectopia Lentis
Gene(s) | Disorder | MOI | Clinically Distinctive Features
AASS | Hyperlysinemia type I (OMIM 238700) | AR | Mild ID
| Ectopia lentis et pupilae (OMIM 225200) | AR | Ectopic pupil, flat-appearing iris, cataracts
CBS | Classic homocystinuria1 | AR | • DD/ID
Tall slender w/asthenic habitus ("marfanoid")
Biochemical features1
Thromboembolism
FBN1 | Marfan syndrome | AD | • Skeletal manifestations: bone overgrowth joint laxity; extremities disproportionately long for trunk size (dolichostenomelia)
Source: GeneReviews — "Weill-Marchesani Syndrome"
Genetic testing for FBN1 is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
Biomarker and diagnostic research for Weill-Marchesani syndrome 2, dominant has been reported in the published literature.
No approved treatments are currently available for Weill-Marchesani syndrome 2, dominant. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease in an individual diagnosed with Weill-Marchesani syndrome (WMS), the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 6. Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with Weill-Marchesani Syndrome
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Ophthalmology | Complete ophthalmologic exam | Musculoskeletal |
counseling | By genetics professionals1 | To inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI, implications of WMS to facilitate medical personal decision making MOI = mode of inheritance; PT = physical therapist 1. |
Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with Weill-Marchesani Syndrome (WMS) Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other |
Ocular complications | See . | — |
Joint stiffness | Consider PT to maintain joint mobility. | No study has been done on efficacy of passive range-of-motion exercises to help maintain flexibility. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Weill-Marchesani Syndrome"
Use of ophthalmic miotics and mydriatics should be avoided as they can induce pupillary block. Potential increased risk of WMS-related ocular complications associated with contact sports should be discussed with the ophthalmologist.
Source: GeneReviews — "Weill-Marchesani Syndrome"
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "Weill-Marchesani Syndrome"
View trials for Weill-Marchesani syndrome 2, dominant
Table 8.
Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with Weill-Marchesani Syndrome
System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency
| Ophthalmology exams for early detection removal of ectopic lens can help possibility of pupillary block glaucoma. | Annually
| Assessment of height
| Assessment of joint range of motion by orthopedist/physiotherapist
Cardiac
anomalies | • Echocardiogram for evidence of valvular stenosis, arterial narrowing, /or aneurysm
Electrocardiography to evaluate QT interval
| Periodic if normal; otherwise, specific follow up according to cardiac defect
Source: GeneReviews — "Weill-Marchesani Syndrome"
Phenotype severity distribution: 20 always present features.
Estimated prevalence: <1 in 1,000,000 (VERY_RARE).
No clinical trials have been registered for Weill-Marchesani syndrome 2, dominant.
15 publications have been identified in PubMed for Weill-Marchesani syndrome 2, dominant. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (62%), Basic Science / Preclinical (23%), and Diagnostic / Biomarker (8%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Patient case studies | 8 | 62% |
Laboratory research | 3 | 23% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 1 | 8% |
Research summaries | 1 | 8% |
Perez Negron AP (2026). [PMID: 42189669](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42189669/). *Retin Cases Brief Rep*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Liu C (2026). [PMID: 41487288](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41487288/). *Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Li M (2026). [PMID: 41639873](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41639873/). *BMC Med Genomics*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Wu HY (2026). [PMID: 41572998](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41572998/). *Int J Ophthalmol*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Güneş N (2026). [PMID: 42151490](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42151490/). *Eur J Pediatr*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Alcocer AD (2026). [PMID: 41915433](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41915433/). *Physiology (Bethesda)*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Taye N (2025). [PMID: 39896540](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39896540/). *bioRxiv*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Taye N (2025). [PMID: 41034152](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41034152/). *Life Sci Alliance*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Valentín-Pastrana Aguilar MM (2024). [PMID: 39349143](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39349143/). *Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol (Engl Ed)*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Duzenli T (2024). [PMID: 39044700](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39044700/). *Ophthalmic Genet*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Data assembled from 7 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 6:58 PM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Common questions about Weill-Marchesani syndrome 2, dominant
Airway management during anesthesia |
Careful eval prior to anesthesia |
Anesthesia can be difficult in persons w/WMS because of stiff joints, poorly aligned teeth, maxillary hypoplasia . |
Cardiac anomalies | Treatment per cardiologist | PT = physical therapy Surveillance Table 8. |
Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with Weill-Marchesani Syndrome System/Concern | Evaluation | Frequency |
Ophthalmology | Ophthalmology exams for early detection removal of ectopic lens can help possibility of pupillary block glaucoma. | Annually Growth |