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Central and peripheral neural responses in acromegaly
M Ozata1, A Ozkardes, Z Beyhan
1Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Gulhane School of Medicine, Etlik-Ankara, Turkey.
Summary
Untreated acromegaly affects the peripheral nervous system, showing prolonged nerve signal latencies in median and tibial somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs). Central nervous system function remained normal in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Acromegaly, a disorder caused by excess growth hormone, can lead to various complications.
- Nervous system involvement is a potential complication of acromegaly, but its extent in early stages is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the function of the central and peripheral nervous systems in patients with newly diagnosed, untreated acromegaly.
- To identify specific neurophysiological abnormalities associated with early-stage acromegaly.
Main Methods:
- Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and brain stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were recorded in 10 acromegaly patients and 20 controls.
- Peripheral nerve function was assessed using peroneal motor and sural sensory nerve studies, including nerve conduction velocity and distal motor latency.
Main Results:
- Patients with acromegaly showed significantly prolonged latencies in median and tibial SSEPs compared to controls.
- No abnormalities were found in the central nervous system components of SSEPs or in BAEPs.
- Abnormalities were observed in peroneal motor and sural sensory nerve conduction.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral nervous system involvement is present in patients with short-duration, untreated acromegaly.
- Central nervous system function appears to be preserved in the early stages of the disease.