The Acromegalic Arthropathy Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
MRI characterisation of joint pathology in patients with acromegaly: a prospective, longitudinal study
IRAS ID
154993
Contact name
Robert D. Murray
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
R&D Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Acromegaly is a rare condition, characterised by chronic excessive growth hormone (GH) secretion from the pituitary gland which causes characteristic changes in the appearance of face, hands and feet. Arthropathy (joint disease) is a common complication of acromegaly, affecting up to 75% of patients and is the leading cause of reduced quality of life in these individuals. There is not enough data in the current literature regarding the natural history of the arthropathy in acromegaly and factors that can affect its progression. Previous studies have based their findings on conventional x-rays of the joints.
This study aims to understand in more detail the changes that occur in the bone shape in patients with acromegaly; the rate these changes occur; whether there are any acromegaly-specific factors that can affect the occurrence and progression of the arthropathy; and whether there is a correlation between the patients' clinical symptoms and radiological findings. In order to address the above issues the knee joints of eligible patients (with acromegaly) recruited to the study will be examined using MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). This will be done once at baseline and repeated at 12 months, to assess for any changes in the joints. Images will be compared to the ones of healthy controls and patients with osteoarhtritis, using data from the publicly available National Institute of Health Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). Data will also be collected from routine clinic appointments, routine laboratory results, and responses from quality of life questionnaires.The results produced from this study will be novel, as there are no previous MRI studies on this subject and will help us to obtain a deeper insight into the natural history in acromegalic arthropathy and the changes that occur in the bone shape and joint structure in these patients.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
14/SS/1059
Date of REC Opinion
25 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion