By Jonathan Bor, The Baltimore Sun Jun. 26--A popular blood-pressure medication has shown promise as a therapy for Marfan syndrome, slowing and, in some cases, stopping the enlargement of a major blood vessel that can lead to fatal ruptures, Johns Hopkins researchers reported today.

U.S. scientists have found a drug commonly used to lower blood pressure can reverse muscle wasting in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The John Hopkins University researchers also found it has a similar affect on genetically engineered mice with Marfan syndrome. A team led by Dr.

A U.S. study shows clinical and molecular analyses can distinguish patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Dr. Harry Dietz, director of the William S.

Marfan syndrome is best known as the suspect behind Abraham Lincoln's gangly build. But for thousands of people in the United States, the genetic disease means living with the threat that their largest artery could burst suddenly and kill them.