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Abstract

Purpose Acromegaly is a rare disease generally brought about by a benign tumour in the pituitary and characterized by growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) excess. Increased mortality has been related to cardiovascular events that could be linked to these hormones and patients suffer from high rates of diabetes and hypertension. In this study, we examine if the incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke differ from that of the general population. Methods Data from the German Acromegaly Registry in seven specialized endocrine centres were analysed (n=479, 56% female, 46 years old at diagnosis, 5549 person-years from diagnosis). Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated as compared to the general population. Results MI and stroke incidences were very close to those of the general population with an SIR (95% CI) of 0.89 (0.47-1.52, p = 0.80) for MI and 1.17 (0.66-1.93, p = 0.61) for stroke. Acromegaly was uncontrolled in 16% of patients with MI or stroke versus 21% in those without (p = 0.56). Prevalence of hypertension at the initial visit was much higher in those with MI or stroke than those without (94 vs. 43%, p < 0.001). No association was seen between radiation therapy and stroke. Conclusions For acromegaly patients being treated at specialized centres, the incidence of MIs and strokes does not seem to differ from the general population. Certainty regarding such statements requires large, prospective studies however.