1
|
Lopes-Pinto M, Marques PL, Lacerda-Nobre E, Miceli D, Leal RO, Marques P. Acromegaly in humans and cats: Pathophysiological, clinical and management resemblances and differences. Growth Horm IGF Res 2024; 76:101595. [PMID: 38810595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2024.101595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acromegaly is a disorder associated with excessive levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). In general, GH/IGF-1 excess leads to morphologic craniofacial and acral changes as well as cardiometabolic complications, but the phenotypic changes and clinical presentation of acromegaly differ across species. Here, we review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of acromegaly in humans and cats, and we provide a systematic comparison between this disease across these different species. DESIGN A comprehensive literature review of pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis and management of acromegaly in humans and in cats was performed. RESULTS Acromegaly is associated with prominent craniofacial changes in both species: frontal bossing, enlarged nose, ears and lips, and protuberant cheekbones are typically encountered in humans, whereas increased width of the head and skull enlargement are commonly found in cats. Malocclusion, prognathism, dental diastema and upper airway obstruction by soft tissue enlargement are reported in both species, as well as continuous growth and widening of extremities resulting in osteoarticular compromise. Increase of articular joint cartilage thickness, vertebral fractures and spine malalignment is more evident in humans, while arthropathy and spondylosis deformans may also occur in cats. Generalized organomegaly is equally observed in both species. Other similarities between humans and cats with acromegaly include heart failure, ventricular hypertrophy, diabetes mellitus, and an overall increased cardiometabolic risk. In GH-secreting pituitary tumours, local compressive effects and behavioral changes are mostly observed in humans, but also present in cats. Cutis verticis gyrata and skin tags are exclusively found in humans, while palmigrade/plantigrade stance may occur in some acromegalic cats. Serum IGF-1 is used for acromegaly diagnosis in both species, but an oral glucose tolerance test with GH measurement is only useful in humans, as glucose load does not inhibit GH secretion in cats. Imaging studies are regularly performed in both species after biochemical diagnosis of acromegaly. Hypophysectomy is the first line treatment for humans and cats, although not always available in veterinary medicine. CONCLUSION Acromegaly in humans and cats has substantial similarities, as a result of common pathophysiological mechanisms, however species-specific features may be found.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrícia Lunet Marques
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Portugal
| | - Ema Lacerda-Nobre
- Endocrinology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santa Maria, Portugal
| | - Diego Miceli
- IBYME - Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo Oliveira Leal
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Portugal
| | - Pedro Marques
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Endocrinology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marques P, Sapinho I, Korbonits M. Pseudoacromegaly-A challenging entity in the endocrine clinic: A systematic review. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2024; 100:542-557. [PMID: 38549284 DOI: 10.1111/cen.15053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pseudoacromegaly encompasses conditions with features of acromegaly/gigantism, but no growth hormone (GH) or insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) excess. We aimed to review published pseudoacromegaly cases evaluated due to clinical suspicion of acromegaly. DESIGN/PATIENTS PubMed/Medline search was conducted to identify reported pseudoacromegaly cases, which were systematically reviewed to ensure they met eligibility criteria: (1) presentation suggestive of acromegaly; (2) acromegaly excluded based on normal GH, IGF-1 and/or GH suppression on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT-GH); (3) diagnosis of the pseudoacromegaly condition was established. Data were retrieved from each case and analysed collectively. RESULTS Of 76 cases, 47 were males, mean ages at presentation and at first acromegaloid symptoms were 28 ± 16 and 17 ± 10 years, respectively. Most common conditions were pachydermoperiostosis (47%) and insulin-mediated pseudoacromegaly (IMP) (24%). Acromegaloid facies (75%) and acral enlargement (80%) were the most common features. Measurement of random GH was reported in 65%, IGF-1 in 79%, OGTT-GH in 51%. GH excess was more frequently excluded based on two tests (53%). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 30 patients, with pituitary adenoma or hyperplasia being reported in eight and three patients, respectively. Investigations differed between cases managed by endocrine and non-endocrine specialists, the former requesting more often IGF-1, OGTT-GH and pituitary MRI. CONCLUSIONS Pseudoacromegaly is a challenging entity that may be encountered by endocrinologists. Pachydermoperiostosis and IMP are the conditions most often mimicking acromegaly. Adequate assessment of GH/IGF-1 is crucial to exclude acromegaly, which may be better performed by endocrinologists. Pituitary incidentalomas are common and require careful judgement to prevent unnecessary pituitary surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marques
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Endocrinology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Sapinho
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Endocrinology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vilar L, Naves LA, Martins MRA, Ribeiro-Oliveira A. "Micromegaly": Acromegaly with apparently normal GH, an entity on its own? Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 38:101878. [PMID: 38519400 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2024.101878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
A small proportion of the patients with acromegaly present with apparently normal basal GH levels and suppressible GH levels despite increased IGF-1 levels, a pattern called micromegaly by some authors. Whether this pattern represents a distinct entity or is just an expression of acromegaly in its early stages is still a matter of debate. Nevertheless, these patients have some peculiar characteristics such as being more likely older and male, mostly harbour microadenomas or small macroadenomas, and have lower IGF-1 and postglucose GH levels. Even though, the frequency and severity of clinical signs and comorbidities are similar to those of patients with classic acromegaly. In conclusion, micromegaly seems to be a distinct clinical entity with a different biological behavior characterized by a low GH output.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Vilar
- Federal University of Pernambuco Medical School, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Saadi MT, Mohammed NUG, Abed BA, Farhan LO, Salman IN. Validity of galactin-3 in acromegaly: comparison with traditional markers. Ir J Med Sci 2024:10.1007/s11845-024-03674-w. [PMID: 38520613 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-024-03674-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acromegaly occurs due to overproduction of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Galectin-3 (Gal-3) has recently emerged as a novel biomarker, related to IGF-1. This study aimed to assess Gal-3 in patients with acromegaly and compare its effectiveness with traditional biomarker tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS A randomized case control study conducted in a single center included 50 acromegaly patients and 40 apparently healthy subjects (HS) serve as control group matched both age and BMI. Laboratory test was measured by routine assay used in center. Gal-3, GH, and IGF-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULT There were 50 patients with an average age of 50.40 ± 12.229 (50% of males). Compared with HS, patients' serum GAL-3 levels have increased significantly. The serum GAL-3 exceeds 14.363 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 100.0 and a specificity of 100.0. Furthermore, serum Gal-3 levels in combination with traditional tests (GH and IGF-1) by DeLoongs test had a significant difference in discriminating acromegaly more accurately than traditional tests. CONCLUSION In a summary, this study recommended clinicians measure serum Gal-3 as biomarkers for patients with acromegaly. In addition, the result above shed light on role of Gal-3 on acromegaly pathogenesis and might provide a therapeutic target of acromegaly patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Thaer Saadi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science for Women, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Noor Ulhuda G Mohammed
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science for Women, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.
| | | | - Layla Othman Farhan
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science for Women, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Marques P, Sagarribay A, Tortosa F, Neto L, Tavares Ferreira J, Subtil J, Palha A, Dias D, Sapinho I. Multidisciplinary Team Care in Pituitary Tumours. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:950. [PMID: 38473312 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The optimal care for patients with pituitary tumours is best provided in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment, which requires the contribution of multiple medical specialties working together. The benefits and advantages of the pituitary multidisciplinary team (MDT) are broad, and all relevant international consensus and guidelines in the field recommend that patients with pituitary tumours should always be managed in a MDT. Endocrinologists and neurosurgeons are normally the leading specialties within the pituitary MDT, supported by many other specialties with significant contributions to the diagnosis and management of pituitary tumours, including neuropathology, neuroradiology, neuro-ophthalmology, and otorhinolaryngology, among others. Here, we review the literature concerning the concepts of Pituitary MDT/Pituitary Tumour Centre of Excellence (PTCOE) in terms of their mission, goals, benefits, structure, proposed models of function, and barriers, and we also provide the views of different specialists involved in our Pituitary MDT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marques
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Endocrinology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, 1998-018 Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 1649-023 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Amets Sagarribay
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Neurosurgery Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, 1998-018 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Francisco Tortosa
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Pathology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, 1998-018 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lia Neto
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Radiology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, 1998-018 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Tavares Ferreira
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Ophthalmology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, 1998-018 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Subtil
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Otorhinolaryngology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, 1998-018 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Palha
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Endocrinology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, 1998-018 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniela Dias
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Endocrinology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, 1998-018 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Sapinho
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Endocrinology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, 1998-018 Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chiloiro S, Frara S, Gagliardi I, Bianchi A, Giampietro A, Medici M, Allora A, di Filippo L, Ambrosio MR, Pontecorvi A, Zatelli MC, De Marinis L, Giustina A. Cholecalciferol Use Is Associated With a Decreased Risk of Incident Morphometric Vertebral Fractures in Acromegaly. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 109:e58-e68. [PMID: 37606222 PMCID: PMC10735684 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Skeletal fragility is observed in 30% to 60% of acromegaly patients, representing an emerging complication of the disease that increases disability. Despite several studies having investigated the clinical and hormonal prognostic factors for the occurrence of vertebral fractures (VFs) in acromegaly, very few data are available on their prevention/treatment including the effect of vitamin D (VD) supplementation, which has been reported to have a fracture-protective effect in several studies in patients with osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the role of cholecalciferol (D3) supplementation in the prevention of incident VFs (i-VFs) in acromegaly. METHODS A longitudinal, retrospective and multicenter study was performed on 61 acromegaly patients treated and untreated with D3 supplementation. RESULTS Twenty-six patients were treated with D3 supplementation according to clinical guidelines. The median D3 weekly dosage was 8500 IU (interquartile range [IQR]: 3900). The median duration of D3 supplementation was 94 months (IQR: 38). At last follow-up, i-VFs were diagnosed in 14 patients (23%). I-VFs were less prevalent in patients on D3 supplementation (14.3% of cases) compared to patients not treated with D3 (85.7%; P = .02). The final level of serum V25OH-D was significantly lower in patients who developed i-VFs (28.6 ng/mL, IQR: 4.1) compared to patients who did not develop i-VFs (34.2 ng/mL, IQR: 9.6; P = .05). The logistic regression confirmed the protective role of D3 supplementation on the occurrence of i-VFs (odds ratio: 0.16; 95% CI, 0.03-0.79; P = .01). CONCLUSION It is likely that D3 supplementation could lead to a reduction in i-VFs in acromegaly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Chiloiro
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Pituitary Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Stefano Frara
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Irene Gagliardi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Endocrinology, Geriatrics & Internal Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Antonio Bianchi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Pituitary Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Antonella Giampietro
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Pituitary Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Margherita Medici
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Endocrinology, Geriatrics & Internal Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Agnese Allora
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Luigi di Filippo
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Ambrosio
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Endocrinology, Geriatrics & Internal Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Pituitary Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Zatelli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Endocrinology, Geriatrics & Internal Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Laura De Marinis
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Pituitary Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Andrea Giustina
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan 20132, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Falch CM, Dupont AK, Olarescu NC, Wiedmann M, Dahlberg D, Bollerslev J, Berg-Johnsen J, Heck A. Long-term control of acromegaly after pituitary surgery in South-Eastern Norway. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2023; 165:3003-3010. [PMID: 37665404 PMCID: PMC10542199 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05772-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sustained cure of acromegaly can only be achieved by surgery. Most growth hormone (GH) secreting pituitary adenomas are macroadenomas (≥ 10 mm) at diagnosis, with reported surgical cure rates of approximately 50%. Long-term data on disease control rates after surgery are limited. Our aim was to estimate short- and long-term rates of biochemical control after pituitary surgery in acromegaly and identify predictive factors. METHODS Patients operated for GH-secreting pituitary adenomas between 2005-2020 were included from the local pituitary registry (n = 178). Disease activity and treatment data were recorded at one-year (short-term) and five-year (long-term) postoperative follow-up. Biochemical control was defined as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) ≤ 1.2 × upper limit of normal value. Multivariate regression models were used to identify factors potentially predicting biochemical control. RESULTS A total of 178 patients with acromegaly (median age at diagnosis 49 (IQR: 38-59) years, 46% women) were operated for a pituitary adenoma. Biochemical control was achieved by surgery in 53% at short-term and 41% at long-term follow-up, without additional treatment for acromegaly. Biochemical control rates by surgery were of same magnitude in paired samples (45% vs. 41%, p = 0.213) for short- and long-term follow-up, respectively. At short-term, 62% of patients with microadenomas and 51% with macroadenomas, achieved biochemical control. At long-term, the biochemical control rate was 58% for microadenomas and 37% for macroadenomas (p = 0.058). With adjunctive treatment, 82% achieved biochemical control at long-term. Baseline IGF-1 levels significantly predicted biochemical control by surgery at short-term (OR: 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-0.99), p = 0.011), but not at long-term (OR: 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57-1.00), p = 0.053). CONCLUSION In unselected patients with acromegaly, the long-term biochemical control rate remains modest. Our findings indicate a need to identify patients at an earlier stage and improve therapeutic methods and surgical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camilla M. Falch
- Section of Specialized Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology, Oslo University Hospital, Postboks 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Postboks 1171 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne K. Dupont
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Postboks 1171 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Nicoleta C. Olarescu
- Section of Specialized Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology, Oslo University Hospital, Postboks 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Postboks 1171 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Markus Wiedmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Postboks 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel Dahlberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Postboks 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jens Bollerslev
- Section of Specialized Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology, Oslo University Hospital, Postboks 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Postboks 1171 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon Berg-Johnsen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Postboks 1171 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Postboks 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ansgar Heck
- Section of Specialized Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology, Oslo University Hospital, Postboks 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Postboks 1171 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chiloiro S, Giampietro A, Gagliardi I, Bondanelli M, Veleno M, Ambrosio MR, Zatelli MC, Pontecorvi A, Giustina A, De Marinis L, Bianchi A. Impact of the diagnostic delay of acromegaly on bone health: data from a real life and long term follow-up experience. Pituitary 2022; 25:831-841. [PMID: 35922724 PMCID: PMC9362053 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-022-01266-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acromegaly is a chronic disease with systemic complications. Disease onset is insidious and consequently typically burdened by diagnostic delay. A longer diagnostic delay induces more frequently cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, neuropsychiatric and musculoskeletal comorbidities. No data are available on the effect of diagnostic delay on skeletal fragility. We aimed to evaluate the effect of diagnostic delay on the frequency of incident and prevalent of vertebral fractures (i-VFs and p-VFs) in a large cohort of acromegaly patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A longitudinal, retrospective and multicenter study was conducted on 172 acromegaly patients. RESULTS Median diagnostic delay and duration of follow-up were respectively 10 years (IQR: 6) and 10 years (IQR: 8). P-VFs were observed in 18.6% and i-VFs occurred in 34.3% of patients. The median estimated diagnostic delay was longer in patients with i-VFs (median: 11 years, IQR: 3), in comparison to those without i-VFs (median: 8 years, IQR: 7; p = 0.02). Age at acromegaly diagnosis and at last follow-up were higher in patients with i-VFs, with respect to those without i-VFs. The age at acromegaly diagnosis was positively associated with the diagnostic delay (p < 0.001, r = 0.216). A longer history of active acromegaly was associated with a high frequency of i-VFs (p = 0.03). The logistic regression confirmed that patients with a diagnostic delay > 10 years had 1.5-folds increased risk of developing i-VFs (OR: 1.5; 95%CI: 1.1-2; p = 0.017). CONCLUSION Our data showed that the diagnostic delay in acromegaly has a significant impact on VF risk, further supporting the clinical relevance of an early acromegaly diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Chiloiro
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Giampietro
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Irene Gagliardi
- Section of Endocrinology, Geriatrics & Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marta Bondanelli
- Section of Endocrinology, Geriatrics & Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Miriam Veleno
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Ambrosio
- Section of Endocrinology, Geriatrics & Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Zatelli
- Section of Endocrinology, Geriatrics & Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Giustina
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, San Raffaele, Vita-Salute University and IRCCS Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura De Marinis
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Bianchi
- Endocrinology and Diabetology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|