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Published on: May 21, 2017
Increased aortic root diameters in patients with acromegaly
Agatha A van der Klaauw1, Jeroen J Bax, Johannes W A Smit
1Departments of Endocrinology, C4-R, Leiden University Medical Center, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands. a.a.van_der_klaauw@lumc.nl
Acromegaly, a condition causing excess growth hormone, is linked to enlarged aortic root diameters in patients. This study found increased aortic dimensions in acromegaly patients compared to healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Acromegalic cardiomyopathy presents with arrhythmias, valvular issues, and left ventricular hypertrophy.
- The impact of acromegaly on the aortic root remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether acromegaly affects aortic root dimensions.
- To compare aortic root measurements in acromegaly patients with healthy controls and assess changes over time.
Main Methods:
- Prospective echocardiographic assessment of aortic root diameters in 37 acromegaly patients (active and controlled disease) over 1.9 years.
- Comparison of baseline aortic root dimensions with healthy controls.
- Analysis of aortic root diameter changes during the follow-up period.
Main Results:
- Patients with acromegaly exhibited increased aortic root diameters at the sino-tubular junction and ascending aorta compared to controls.
- Aortic root diameters at the annulus and sinotubular junction showed increases during follow-up.
- Baseline aortic root dimensions were not correlated with disease duration, activity, or blood pressure.
Conclusions:
- Aortic root diameters are significantly increased in patients with acromegaly.
- The aortic root, particularly the sinotubular junction, demonstrates progressive enlargement in acromegaly patients.
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