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Cutaneous Findings in Patients with Acromegaly

Gulsen Akoglu ; Ankara Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Department of Dermatology
Ahmet Metin ; Ankara Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Department of Dermatology
Selma Emre ; Ankara Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Department of Dermatology
Reyhan Ersoy ; Ankara Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism
Bekir Cakir ; Ankara Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism

Abstract

Background: Acromegaly is a systemic syndrome caused by overproduction of growth hormone. The syndrome affects cutaneous, endocrine, cardiovascular, skeletal, and respiratory systems. Cutaneous manifestations of acromegaly are various, usually being the first presenting findings of the disease.

Methods: Dermatological examinations of 49 patients of acromegaly who were followed-up at a tertiary referral hospital.

Results: The study included 27 (55.1%) female and 22 (44.9%) male patients. The onset age of the disease was older in females than males (P =0.045). Most of the patients had acral enlargements, large triangular nose, coarse face, thickened lower lip, and prognathism. Fourteen patients (28.6%) had multiple cherry angiomas, 5 (10.2%) had varicose veins in lower limbs, and 2 (4.1%) had psoriasis.

Conclusion: A wide spectrum of cutaneous symptoms and features may be associated with acromegaly. A detailed dermatological examination of patients with acromegaly should be an essential component of systemic evaluation. Future prospective studies investigating the relationships between changes in skin signs, hormone levels, and response to treatments may help to understand the details of skin involvement in acromegaly.

Keywords

acromegaly; cutaneous manifestations; multiple cherry

Hrčak ID:

115994

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/115994

Publication date:

13.1.2014.

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