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Hyperostosis frontalis interna, acromegaly and hyperprolactinaemia

J D Fulton1, J Shand, D Ritchie

  • 1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Stobhill General Hospital, Glasgow, UK.

Postgraduate Medical Journal
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) is more common in acromegaly patients, especially those with hyperprolactinaemia. This association warrants further investigation in acromegaly management.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Radiology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) is a condition characterized by thickening of the inner table of the frontal bone.
  • Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder caused by excessive growth hormone production.
  • Hyperprolactinaemia is a condition of elevated prolactin levels in the blood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) and acromegaly.
  • To determine if hyperprolactinaemia influences the prevalence of HFI in acromegalic patients.

Main Methods:

  • Skull X-rays of 36 acromegalic patients (19 with hyperprolactinaemia) were compared to 36 age-sex matched controls.
  • Intra- and interobserver variability for HFI assessment was evaluated.
  • Subgroup analyses were performed comparing acromegalics and acromegalics with hyperprolactinaemia to controls.

Main Results:

  • HFI was significantly more prevalent in the acromegalic cohort compared to controls (P = 0.0002).
  • This association was observed in both male and female acromegalic patients.
  • Acromegalic patients with hyperprolactinaemia showed a higher HFI prevalence than controls (P = 0.0001).
  • HFI severity correlated with age in both sexes and with disease duration in females.

Conclusions:

  • A strong association exists between HFI and acromegaly, particularly when hyperprolactinaemia is present.
  • The findings suggest HFI may have symptomatic significance in acromegaly.
  • Confirmation or refutation of HFI is recommended for all acromegaly patients.

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