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Cognitive Functioning and Cortical Brain Thickness in Acromegaly Patients: A Pilot study.
Natalia García-Casares1,2,3, Marina Fernández-Andújar4, Inmaculada González-Molero5
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaga, Málaga, Spain.
Summary
Treatment with pegvisomant or somatostatin analogues (SRLs) did not significantly impact cognitive function or brain structure in acromegaly patients. However, pegvisomant may offer a neuroprotective effect on the thalamus, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Acromegaly, a condition caused by excess growth hormone, is associated with cognitive impairments.
- The impact of different pharmacological treatments on cognitive function and brain structure in acromegaly remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cognitive function, depression, and quality of life in acromegaly patients treated with pegvisomant versus somatostatin analogues (SRLs).
- To investigate the effects of these treatments on cognition and potential structural brain changes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 23 acromegaly patients, divided into pegvisomant (n=9) and SRL (n=14) groups.
- Utilized blood analysis, neuropsychological tests, depression and quality of life assessments, and 3-Tesla MRI.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in cognitive tests, depression, quality of life, or whole-brain cortical thickness between treatment groups.
- Thalamic volume positively correlated with executive function in the SRL group, but not in the pegvisomant group.
- The pegvisomant group exhibited higher insulin levels compared to the SRL group.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological treatment type (pegvisomant vs. SRLs) did not influence cognitive function or cortical brain thickness in acromegaly patients with good glycemic control.
- Pegvisomant may possess a neuroprotective role concerning the thalamus, requiring validation in larger studies.
