title: Thalasselis syndrome and genetic theories on keratoconus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous theories of the pathogenesis of keratoconus have only described partial aspects of the disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  Studies are reviewed that have demonstrated a statistical and physiological relation between keratoconus, magnesium deficiency, type A behavior, and allergy, which constitute the Thalasselis Syndrome.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Thalasselis syndrome integrates old and new theories on keratoconus, mitral valve prolapse, and tetany/menopause. Keratoconus is also associated with genetic diseases like Down syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and other conditions related to collagen disturbance and biochemical abnormalities in protein synthesis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This syndrome suggests that the genetic disturbance that causes these alterations could be influenced by metabolic factors in which magnesium deficiency could be involved.
mesh_terms: D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple / Q000209:etiology*; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008274:Magnesium / Q000378:metabolism; D008275:Magnesium Deficiency / Q000209:etiology*; D013577:Syndrome; D014434:Type A Personality
chemical_list: D003094:Collagen; D008274:Magnesium