Acromegaly natural history, complications and prognosis

If left untreated, 30% of patients with acromegaly may progress to develop cardiovascular manifestations, pulmonary dysfunction, and cerebral complications. Common complications of acromegaly include hypertension, arrhythmia, heart failure, sleep apnea, dyspnea, carpal tunnel syndrome and spinal cord compression. Prognosis of acromegaly is generally good with transsphenoidal surgery and the postoperative treatment.

• If left untreated, 30% of patients with acromegaly may progress to develop cardiovascular manifestations, pulmonary dysfunction, and cerebral complications. These comorbidities will increase the mortality rate.^[1]

• Common complications of acromegaly include:
  • Cardivascualr complications:^[2]
    • Cardiovascular disease
    • Hypertension
    • Arrhythmias
    • Heart failure
    • Coronary arteriosclerosis
  • Respiratory complications:
    • Sleep apnea
    • Dyspnea and stridor
  • Neuromuscular complications:
    • Arthritis
    • Carpal tunnel syndrome
    • Spinal cord compression
    • Vision abnormalities
  • Abdominal complications:
    • Colonic polyps
    • Uterine fibroids in females

• Prognosis of acromegaly is generally good with transsphenoidal surgery and the postoperative treatment.
• Early diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly are associated with better prognosis.^[3]
• The acral features of the acromegaly in the face, hands, and feet usually return to normal after the surgery.

Template:WikiDoc Sources