Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Marshall syndrome

An inherited condition with distinct facial features, eye differences, hearing loss, and arthritis that starts early.

Understanding Marshall syndrome

Marshall syndrome is an inherited condition with a distinctive facial appearance, eye problems, hearing loss, and early-onset arthritis.

People can also have short stature. It is present from birth.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Flat face with a low nasal bridge
  • Nearsightedness (myopia) and cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Cleft palate
  • Early-onset joint arthritis
  • Decreased ability to sweat

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists, eye disease specialists, genetic specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in COL11A1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
Expert care
Expert lists: National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How often should my eyes and hearing be checked?
Should we have COL11A1 genetic testing for our family?
What can be done to protect my joints?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant, Autosomal Recessive
GenesCOL11A1

Changes in the COL11A1 gene cause this condition. GARD says it is inherited in an autosomal dominant way, so a change in one copy of the gene can be enough.

GeneticSkin

Also known as: marshall's syndrome; mrshs

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Marshall syndromeGARD ID 6984 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Marshall syndrome.

Explore the Marshall syndrome blog

Explore research for Marshall syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Marshall syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Marshall syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Marshall syndrome studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Marshall syndrome

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Marshall syndrome

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Marshall syndrome experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.