Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Acromegaly is a quite rare and insidious disease caused by the oversecretion of growth hormone and subsequently insulin - like growth factor 1. Recent studies have demonstrated an increased co-existence of different thyroid lesions with acromegaly. However the data concerning this co-occurrence remains a matter of debate. The purpose of this study is to shed light on the different thyroid lesions concerning the patients with acromegaly who are followed up in the endocrinology department of Oujda’s Mohammed VI university hospital to offer an optimal management.

Materials and methods: This is a retrospective data analysis of 10 acromegaly patients followed up in in the endocrinology department of Oujda’s Mohammed VI university hospital.

Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 49 years with a female predominance. The median diagnosis delay was 5 years. 70% of the patients underwent transsphenoidal pituitary surgery and 44% were coupled to radiation therapy. Furthermore, 80% have been treated by Somatostatin analogs. Thyroid ultrasound showed a multinodular goiter in 50% of patients; homogeneous parenchyma in 10% and a thyroid nodule also in 10%. Blood tests revealed a toxic goiter in 20% of cases; central hypothyroidism in 20%, and central hyperthyroidism in 1 patient. A total thyroidectomy was proceeded in 30% of cases due to compressive symptoms. According to pathology lab report only 1 papillary thyroid carcinoma was recognized.

Conclusion: Although the data concerning the co-occurrence of acromegaly and thyroid lesions still remain controversial, systematic thyroid exploration should not be neglected either when the acromegaly diagnosis is made or during further observation and treatment. Nevertheless, it’s particularly important to rule out thyroid cancer.