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Echocardiographic abnormalities in acromegalic patients.
K Lacka1, I Piszczek, J Kosowicz
1Department of Endocrinology, Medical Academy, Poznań/Poland.
Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Acromegaly frequently causes cardiac abnormalities, including thickened heart walls and increased mass, affecting left ventricular function in most patients. Echocardiography revealed these changes, but no correlation was found with disease severity or treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Acromegaly, a condition caused by excess growth hormone, is known to affect the cardiovascular system.
- Cardiac involvement in acromegaly can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cardiac size and left ventricular function in patients with acromegaly.
- To identify echocardiographic abnormalities associated with acromegaly.
Main Methods:
- Echocardiography was performed on 26 patients with acromegaly and 20 control subjects.
- Key parameters assessed included ventricular dimensions, wall thickness, ejection fraction, and left ventricular mass.
Main Results:
- Echocardiographic abnormalities were present in 91% of acromegaly patients.
- Common findings included left ventricular hypertrophy (increased mass, septal and posterior wall thickening) and increased ventricular dimensions.
- Reduced ejection fraction was observed in 46% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Acromegaly is associated with widespread cardiac structural and functional changes.
- These echocardiographic abnormalities were not correlated with disease duration, hormone levels, or treatment, suggesting a complex pathophysiology.