What are the long-term sequelae of untreated or partially treated acromegaly?

What are the long-term sequelae of untreated or partially treated acromegaly?

• A. An increased risk of colon and lung cancer
• B. A reduced risk of heart disease
• C. Enhanced longevity
• D. Increased muscle strength

Answer: (A)

Chronic excess growth hormone and IGF-1 in untreated acromegaly stimulates cell proliferation in multiple tissues, with the colon being particularly susceptible. This leads to a higher risk of colorectal neoplasia, including colon polyps and colorectal cancer, over the long term. That link between prolonged GH/IGF-1 exposure and colon cancer risk is the most well-established adverse outcome, making it the best choice. The other options don’t fit as long-term sequelae: untreated acromegaly increases cardiovascular risk (not reduces it) and can shorten lifespan due to cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and metabolic complications; while some patients have increased muscle mass, enhanced strength is not a recognized long-term adverse outcome of the condition.

Chronic excess growth hormone and IGF-1 in untreated acromegaly stimulates cell proliferation in multiple tissues, with the colon being particularly susceptible. This leads to a higher risk of colorectal neoplasia, including colon polyps and colorectal cancer, over the long term. That link between prolonged GH/IGF-1 exposure and colon cancer risk is the most well-established adverse outcome, making it the best choice.

The other options don’t fit as long-term sequelae: untreated acromegaly increases cardiovascular risk (not reduces it) and can shorten lifespan due to cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and metabolic complications; while some patients have increased muscle mass, enhanced strength is not a recognized long-term adverse outcome of the condition.