Objective: To provide rheumatological assessment of patients with long-standing acromegaly and investigate the impact of musculoskeletal disease on quality of life.
Design: Cross-sectional observational study.
Methods: Fifty-eight patients diagnosed with acromegaly at least 5 years previously were interviewed and examined by a rheumatologist. Each patient completed the short form-36 (SF-36), arthritis impact measurement scales 2 (AIMS2) and acromegaly quality of life questionnaires (AcroQol).
Results: Fifty-two out of 58 (90%) reported musculoskeletal pain, with 29 (50%) reporting neck pain. Hip osteoarthritis was present in 49 (84%) and knee osteoarthritis in 20 (34%). Half the patients (52%) reported sleep disturbance, but only 2 (3.5%) had fibromyalgia. Ten (17.2%) had previously undergone carpal tunnel decompression. Fifty-one (88%) patients had consulted their general practioner and 31 (54%) complementary therapists. SF-36, AIMS2 and AcroQol scores were lower in patients with musculoskeletal pain.
Conclusions: This study of musculoskeletal problems in patients with acromegaly reports systematic rheumatological examination, use of medical services and quality of life scores. Musculoskeletal problems should be routinely addressed in acromegaly by both endocrinologist and rheumatologist and a multidisciplinary approach taken to management.