Sequelae to acromegaly: reversibility with treatment of the primary disease

Abstract

Acromegalic patients suffer from a number of cardiovascular, metabolic, and rheumatologic problems, and they may also have an increased incidence of malignancy. We reviewed the literature concerning the reversibility of acromegalic complications. Hypertension, myocardial hypertrophy, left ventricular dysfunction and some rheumatologic abnormalities often continue despite successful treatment of the acromegaly. In contrast, glucose intolerance, soft tissue changes, and carpal tunnel syndrome usually resolve when the acromegaly is cured. Studies of the incidence and mortality of cancer in acromegaly are conflicting, but several suggest an increased incidence of colorectal cancer.