Acromegaly: Cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular manifestations and early vascular alterations in relation to disease activity

Abstract

Acromegaly is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. 49 acromegaly patients were evaluated for presence of cardiovascular risk factors and manifestations using 2D-Echocardiography, strain, strain-rate, carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and flow mediated dilatation (FMD) and correlated with disease activity. 32 patients with growth hormone (GH) level >1 ng/ml were considered active. Patients with active disease have more LV dysfunction as assessed by strain(p-0.031) and strain rate(p-0.001); trend towards lower ejection fraction(p-0.11) with significant correlation to GH(cc −0.252,p-0.05). Patient with active disease have reduced FMD(p- 0.042); with no difference in prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and CIMT inrelation to disease activity.

Assessment of Osteoprotegerin and RANKL Levels and Several Cardiovascular Risk Scoring Systems in Acromegaly

“…Studies have demonstrated an association between acromegaly and increased risk of CVD. While the relationship between acromegaly and conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, arrhytmias and endotelial dysfunction is well established, the association of coronary artery disease and acromegaly is somewhat controversial [5].…”