Abstract | BACKGROUND: AIM: To evaluate the role of metabolic and genetic aspects and the follow-up of adrenal nodules in acromegaly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 69 acromegalic patients (30 male and 39 female, 56 ± 15 yr) who had been referred to the Endocrinology Unit of Padua. In all patients we determined body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR); we performed an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) whenever possible. If adrenal computed tomography revealed a lesion, the patient underwent an endocrine and genetic study. RESULTS: Adrenal lesions were identified in 14 patients and were not related to gender, duration of disease, GH or IGF-I concentrations, basal and after-OGTT glucose and insulin levels, log(HOMA-IR) and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) values, whereas BMI and WHR were higher in patients with adrenal lesions. Baseline endocrine and radiological study revealed benign lesions; during mean 4-yr follow-up none of the patients showed hormone excess, even though some lesions increased in size. We did not find any mutation in AIP gene, except heterozygous silent alteration (T48T). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of non-functioning adrenal lesions in acromegaly is not associated with the considered aspects, except BMI and WHR. The prolonged follow-up showed that these lesions have a tendency to increase in size independently of the control of acromegaly, so a morphological follow- up is recommended.
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Authors | F Ceccato, G Occhi, N M Albiger, S Rizzati, S Ferasin, G Trivellin, F Mantero, C Scaroni |
Journal | Journal of endocrinological investigation
(J Endocrinol Invest)
Vol. 34
Issue 5
Pg. 353-60
(May 2011)
ISSN: 1720-8386 [Electronic] Italy |
PMID | 20595802
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein
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Topics |
- Acromegaly
(genetics, metabolism, pathology)
- Adrenal Gland Neoplasms
(genetics, metabolism, pathology)
- Adrenal Glands
(metabolism, pathology)
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Body Mass Index
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Glucose Tolerance Test
- Humans
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
(genetics)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Mutation
- Waist-Hip Ratio
- Young Adult
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