Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Acromegaly is a rare hormonal condition that results from an excess amount of growth hormone (GH) in the body. A variety of complications have been reported in patients with acromegaly including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus or respiratory disorders. In addition, Acromegaly is associated with gastrointestinal complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate gastrointestinal complications and their impact on the quality of life among patients suffered from acromegaly.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study including patients admitted for acromegaly in the endocrinology departments of Sousse and Mahdia (Tunisia), over a period of 20 years. The QOL was assessed with ACROQOL questionnaire.

Results: A total of 40 patients were included with a mean age of 38.9 years [13-77]. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.74. The mean IGF1 level was 937 ng/ml [367-1700]. Anterior pituitary insufficiency was present in 32.5% of cases. The most common functional gastrointestinal symptom was constipation (32%). Among our patients, abdominal ultrasound performed in 20 patients showed splenomegaly and hepatomegaly in 2 cases each. Colonoscopy realized in 9 cases showed dolichocolon in 4 cases and colonic polyps in 2 cases. In our population, acromegaly complicated by dolico-colon was associated with impaired QOL, especially for socio-relational life (P= 0.04).

Discussion and conclusion: Upper and lower functional gastrointestinal tract disorders are significantly more prevalent in patients with acromegaly. Gastrointestinal complications make the QOL altered. Furthermore, poorer QOL may in part be attributable to the increased prevalence of abdominal symptoms.