Upper limb arthropathy in acromegaly: Radiological findings and functional impairment
Authors' conclusion
Joint complaints and structural abnormalities are highly prevalent in acromegaly and may substantially reduce the quality of life for patients and their families.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with uncontrolled, medically controlled, or cured acromegalypatients with acromegaly included (mean age, 51 ± 11.4 years)
- Participants
- 48 patients
- Outcome
- Joint complaints (specific questionnaire)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Reported at least one joint complaint
41 patients
85.4%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Upper limb functional limitations (QuickDASH)
- Upper limb functional limitations
- 36 patients (75%)
- Mild, of those with limitations
- 12
- Moderate, of those with limitations
- 14
- Severe, of those with limitations
- 10
Radiographic structural changes
- Radiographs obtained
- 27 patients
- Structural changes, among those with radiographs
- 21 (77.7%)
- Involving the hands
- 70.3%
- Involving the shoulders
- 59.3%
- Glenohumeral osteoarthritis
- 13 cases
- Acromioclavicular osteoarthritis
- 10 cases
Association with employment status
- Joint complaints and biochemical disease control were not associated with employment status
Tumour and treatment characteristics
- Microadenomas
- Four
- Macroadenomas (including two giant adenomas)
- 42
- Invasive features
- 20 cases
- Underwent surgery
- 46 patients
- Receiving a somatostatin analog or pegvisomant at the last follow-up
- 22 (45.8%)
Original publication
Upper limb arthropathy in acromegaly: Radiological findings and functional impairment. Pituitary. Published 13 November 2026. doi:10.
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