While there is no definitive medical diagnosis, it has been considered a plausible possibility that legendary blues musician Robert Johnson had Marfan syndrome. Due to the lack of modern medical examination at the time of his death, any such assessment is retrospective and based on historical accounts and known characteristics of the condition.
Several points contribute to this hypothesis:
- Physical Characteristics: Robert Johnson was described as being tall, slim, and loose-jointed. These are classic physical traits often associated with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue throughout the body.
- Ocular Issues: He reportedly had a history of "resolving cataract," an eye condition. While cataracts can occur for various reasons, certain ocular abnormalities are more prevalent in individuals with Marfan syndrome.
- Sudden and Unexplained Death: Johnson died at a remarkably young age, and the precise cause of his death remains unexplained. A significant risk for individuals with Marfan syndrome is the development of severe cardiovascular complications, such as an aortic dissection. This life-threatening condition, involving a tear in the body's main artery, can lead to sudden, unexpected death.
- Distressful Final Moments: A specific account from the evening of his demise described him "on his hands and knees howling and barking like a dog." This intense physical and vocal distress could potentially align with the agonizing pain and physiological shock experienced during an acute aortic dissection.
In summary, the combination of his described physical attributes, a reported eye issue, and the mysterious, sudden nature of his death—particularly considering the harrowing description of his final moments—has led some to hypothesize Marfan syndrome as a possible underlying condition. However, without a formal medical evaluation, this remains a historical medical speculation.
