Prevalence of vertebral fractures in patients with acromegaly: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Acromegaly is a chronic disease characterized by excessive growth hormone (GH) secretion leading to high insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF- 1) levels. It results in systemic complications, including vertebral fractures (VFs), which impair quality of life. Bone mineral density (BMD) may not fully capture fracture risk, warranting further research into alternative predictors and mitigation strategies.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of VFs in patients with acromegaly and identify associated risk factors.

A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted at three centers in Saudi Arabia and one in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Data for patients with acromegaly evaluated between 2010 and 2024 were reviewed.

The cohort consisted of 101 patients (63% male) with a median age of 45 years and an median disease duration of 7 years. VFs were present in 10 patients, predominantly affecting the lumbar spine and were generally mild. Although not statistically significant, patients with VFs had longer disease durations. BMD measurements did not significantly differ between those with and without VFs; however, patients with VFs showed a trend toward lower trabecular bone score (TBS), suggesting compromised bone microarchitecture.

This study underscores the importance of comprehensive bone health assessment in patients with acromegaly incorporating BMD, TBS, and hormonal evaluations. Continuous long-term monitoring of bone health parameters is necessary in this population. Future research is needed to delineate risk factors associated with VFs.