Rheumatic manifestations of acromegaly

Acromegaly is a chronic endocrine disease characterized by excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH), which, in turn, leads to increased insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) secretion by the liver. GH and IGF-1 excess leads to excessive cell and tissue growth, including the osteoarticular apparatus. Joint pain in acromegaly is a frequent and early symptom. In some cases, joint manifestations can be one of the first signs of acromegaly and their intensity increases with duration of the active disease. Estimated prevalence of joint damage signs is around 70% of patients at the time of diagnosis of acromegaly. Musculoskeletal system alterations can manifest either in axial skeleton and peripheral joints. Besides arthropathy, patients with acromegaly (both active and controlled) are more prone to vertebral fractures, although it was previously thought that acromegaly has a low risk of osteoporosis. In this article, we review features of damage to the axial skeleton, peripheral joints in the setting of excessive GH and IGF-1 production, as well as the association of autoimmune rheumatic diseases and acromegaly.