Vertebral Fractures Associated with Spinal Sagittal Imbalance and Quality of Life in Acromegaly: A Radiographic Study with EOS 2D/3D Technology

Abstract

Introduction: Acromegaly is commonly complicated by arthropathy and skeletal fragility with high risk of vertebral fractures (VFs).

Objective: This study aimed to assess whether VFs may be associated with sagittal spine deformities, arthropathy, impaired quality of life (QoL), pain, and disability.

Methods: Thirty-eight patients with acromegaly (median age: 55 years, 20 males) and 38 matched control subjects were evaluated by a low-dose sagittal and coronal planes, X-ray imaging system (EOS®-2D/3D) for morphometric VFs, radiological signs of spine arthropathy, and spine deformities (Cobb thoracic index ≥40°, pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis ≥10°, pelvic tilt >20°, and sagittal vertical axis ≥4 cm) determining sagittal spine imbalance. Acromegalic patients were also evaluated by questionnaires for QoL (Acromegaly QoL Questionnaire [AcroQoL] and Short Form-36 [SF-36]) and pain and disability (Western Ontario and McMaster University [WOMAC]).

Results: Acromegalic patients showed higher prevalence of thoracic hyperkyphosis (i.e., Cobb thoracic index ≥40°; p = 0.04) and pelvic tilt >20° (p = 0.02) than control subjects. VFs were found in 34.2% of acromegalic patients (p = 0.003 vs. control subjects), in relationship with higher prevalence of hyperkyphosis (p = 0.03), pelvic tilt >20° (p = 0.04), sagittal vertical axis ≥4 cm (p = 0.03), and moderate/severe subchondral degeneration (p = 0.01). Moreover, patients with VFs had lower AcroQoL general health (p = 0.007) and SF-36 general health (p = 0.002) scores and higher WOMAC pain (p = 0.003) and global (p = 0.009) scores than patients who did not fracture.

Conclusions: In acromegaly, VFs may be associated with spine deformities and sagittal imbalance, spine arthropathy, impaired QoL, and disability.

Keywords: Acromegaly; Fractures; Kyphosis; Osteoporosis; Spine imbalance.