Background Acromegaly is a disease caused by an excessive production of GH. Cardiac involvement, called acromegalic cardiomyopathy, is present in 90% of cases. Clinical Presentation A 56–year–old woman with acromegaly from pituitary adenoma, hypertension and obesity undewent angioCT showing thoracic aortic aneurysm (Figure 1). She was referred to a cardiological visit to evaluate the possible presence of acromegalic heart disease. The EKG showed signs of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and so transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was prescribed: it showed slightly dilated, very hypertrophic left ventricle with ejection fraction of about 50% and signs of diastolic dysfunction. The exam also highlighted moderate to severe aortic valve regurgitation (Figure 2). In order to better characterize the cardiomyopathy a Cardiac magnetic resonance with contrast media (CMR) was performed: cine images confirmed severe left ventricular hypertrophy associated with mild dilatation, global biventricular hypertrophy and hypokinesia. After contrast media administration, a diffuse mild–enhancement pattern was found, a possible expression of diffuse interstitial fibrosis (Figure 3). In consideration of the dilatation of the ascending aorta and the contextual valve insufficiency, the patient was referred for cardiac surgery outpatient visit. Discussion The most frequent manifestations of acromegalic cardiomyopathy are bi–ventricular hypertrophy, the presence of diastolic and systolic dysfunction and the presence of valve regurgitation. Concentric hypertrophy is due to the increase in cardiomyocytes secondary to the GH stimulus and it is often bi–ventricular. Another characteristic finding is diffuse interstitial fibrosis with consequent systo–diastolic dysfunction and heart rhythm abnormalities. Aortic valve anomalies are linked to matrix abnormalities and myxoid degeneration. Conclusions this case can be considered an example of acromegalic heart disease. Multimodality imaging plays a key role in the early diagnosis of cardiac involvement and therefore it allows an early start of therapeutic strategy. Additionally, it is useful for the risk stratification of acromegalic patient.
MULTIMODALITY IMAGING IN ACROMEGALIC CARDIOMIOPATHY: A CASE REPORT
Boccadoro, A;Pompei, G;Pavasini, R;Passarini, G;Micillo, M;Campo, G;Guardigli, G;Tonet, E
2022
Abstract
Background Acromegaly is a disease caused by an excessive production of GH. Cardiac involvement, called acromegalic cardiomyopathy, is present in 90% of cases. Clinical Presentation A 56–year–old woman with acromegaly from pituitary adenoma, hypertension and obesity undewent angioCT showing thoracic aortic aneurysm (Figure 1). She was referred to a cardiological visit to evaluate the possible presence of acromegalic heart disease. The EKG showed signs of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and so transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was prescribed: it showed slightly dilated, very hypertrophic left ventricle with ejection fraction of about 50% and signs of diastolic dysfunction. The exam also highlighted moderate to severe aortic valve regurgitation (Figure 2). In order to better characterize the cardiomyopathy a Cardiac magnetic resonance with contrast media (CMR) was performed: cine images confirmed severe left ventricular hypertrophy associated with mild dilatation, global biventricular hypertrophy and hypokinesia. After contrast media administration, a diffuse mild–enhancement pattern was found, a possible expression of diffuse interstitial fibrosis (Figure 3). In consideration of the dilatation of the ascending aorta and the contextual valve insufficiency, the patient was referred for cardiac surgery outpatient visit. Discussion The most frequent manifestations of acromegalic cardiomyopathy are bi–ventricular hypertrophy, the presence of diastolic and systolic dysfunction and the presence of valve regurgitation. Concentric hypertrophy is due to the increase in cardiomyocytes secondary to the GH stimulus and it is often bi–ventricular. Another characteristic finding is diffuse interstitial fibrosis with consequent systo–diastolic dysfunction and heart rhythm abnormalities. Aortic valve anomalies are linked to matrix abnormalities and myxoid degeneration. Conclusions this case can be considered an example of acromegalic heart disease. Multimodality imaging plays a key role in the early diagnosis of cardiac involvement and therefore it allows an early start of therapeutic strategy. Additionally, it is useful for the risk stratification of acromegalic patient.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
