Acromegaly and Bone: An Update

Endocrinol Metab (Seoul). 2023 Dec;38(6):655-666. doi: 10.3803/EnM.2023.601. Epub 2023 Dec 22.

Abstract

Since our discovery in 2006 that acromegaly is associated with an increased risk of vertebral fractures, many authors have confirmed this finding in both cross-sectional and prospective studies. Due to the high epidemiological and clinical impact of this newly discovered comorbidity of acromegaly, this topic has progressively become more important and prominent over the years, and the pertinent literature has been enriched by new findings on the pathophysiology and treatment. The aim of this narrative review was to discuss these novel findings, integrating them with the seminal observations, in order to give the reader an updated view of how the field of acromegaly and bone is developing, from strong clinical observations to a mechanistic understanding and possible prevention and treatment.

Keywords: Acromegaly; Bone density; Bone quality; Growth hormone; Insulin-like growth factor I; Morphometry; Vertebral fractures.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acromegaly* / complications
  • Bone Density / physiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Spinal Fractures*