Bone and Joint Disorders in Acromegaly

Neuroendocrinology. 2016;103(1):86-95. doi: 10.1159/000375450. Epub 2015 Jan 29.

Abstract

Acromegaly is a chronic, progressive disease caused by a growth hormone (GH)-producing pituitary adenoma, resulting in elevated GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 concentrations. Following appropriate therapy (surgery, radiotherapy and/or medical treatment), many systemic GH-induced comorbid conditions improve considerably. Unfortunately, despite biochemical control, acromegaly patients suffer from a high prevalence of late manifestations of transient GH excess, significantly impairing their quality of life. In this overview article, we summarize the pathophysiology, diagnosis, clinical picture, disease course and management of skeletal complications of acromegaly, focusing on vertebral fractures and arthropathy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acromegaly / metabolism*
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism*
  • Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma / metabolism*
  • Human Growth Hormone / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / metabolism*

Substances

  • Human Growth Hormone

Supplementary concepts

  • Growth hormone excess