Lincoln and Marfan Syndrome

Abstract

Abstract: Based on a presentation at the American Philosophical Society's Member Meeting in April 2019, this essay tackles the lingering question of whether Abraham Lincoln suffered from Marfan Syndrome. The author—an eminent vascular surgeon with experience studying and treating Marfan Syndrome—describes the syndrome in detail, provides an overview of the arguments and evidence of those who have previously speculated on the topic, and ultimately concludes that Lincoln lacked the cardinal manifestations of Marfan Syndrome.