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Intramuscular fatty infiltration and physical function in controlled acromegaly.

Authors :
Martel-Duguech L
Alonso-Pérez J
Bascuñana H
Díaz-Manera J
Llauger J
Nuñez-Peralta C
Montesinos P
Webb SM
Valassi E
Source :
European journal of endocrinology [Eur J Endocrinol] 2021 Jun 05; Vol. 185 (1), pp. 167-177. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Jun 05.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with acromegaly show musculoskeletal symptoms which may persist despite disease control. Increased i.m. fat fraction is a known cause of muscle dysfunction in several disorders.<br />Objective: To assess the degree of fat fraction in thigh muscles of controlled acromegaly patients and its relationship with muscle dysfunction.<br />Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we included 36 patients with controlled acromegaly and 36 matched controls. We assessed the percentage of fat fraction in each thigh muscle, using MRI 2-point Dixon sequence, and muscle performance and strength using the gait speed, timed up and go, 30-s chair stand, and hand grip strength tests. We evaluated joint symptoms using the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).<br />Results: Intramuscular fat fraction was greater in patients than controls (P < 0.05 for muscle compartments, rectus femoris (RF), vastus intermedius (VI), adductor magnus (AM) and semimembranosus). Patients had slower gait speed and poorer performance on the 30-s chair stand and timed up and go tests than controls (P < 0.05). The greater fat fraction in the combined anterior-posterior compartment and in each muscle was associated with worse performance on timed up and go (P < 0.05). The fat fraction in the anterior-posterior compartment predicted performance on timed up and go after adjusting for muscle area, IGF-I and WOMAC functional and pain scores (β = 0.737 P < 0.001).<br />Conclusions: Patients with controlled acromegaly have greater thigh i.m. fatty infiltration, which is associated with muscle dysfunction. Futures studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this relationship.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1479-683X
Volume :
185
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
European journal of endocrinology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
33950861
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1530/EJE-21-0209