Acromegalic arthropathy. Characteristics and response to therapy.

Arthropathy was assessed in 19 patients with active acromegaly. Axial or peripheral arthropathy was present in 10 patients, was located most often in large joints or the lumbosacral spine, and was osteoarthritic in nature. The mean duration of acromegaly in patients with arthropathy was 21.6 years, while the mean duration in patients without arthropathy was 7.9 years. A mild-to-moderate improvement in symptoms, estimated functional ability, and crepitus occurred in 8 of 9 patients who were prospectively examined during therapy to lower production of growth hormone. We conclude that this therapy did improve the symptoms of acromegalic arthropathy. Whether objective structural improvements occur remains unclear.