Screening colonoscopy tests in acromegaly patients – authors’ observations

Background. The prevalence of adenomas which cause acromegaly is estimated at 50–70 mln people. They secrete excess of growth hormone and increase the risk of benign and malignant tumours. Intestinal tumours are considered the most common types of lesion. In order to diagnose them early, a colonoscopic examination should be performed every 2–3 years.

Objectives. The aim of the study was to estimate the frequency of the performed colonoscopies in acromegaly patients, and to assess their applicability in the detection of neoplastic lesions of the colon.

Material and methods. The study involved 69 patients with acromegaly (26 M, 43 F), aged 26–83 years (mean 58.9 ± 11.0). The authors analyzed medical records and the results of additional tests.

Results. Colonoscopy was performed in 30 patients (43.5% of cases), was well tolerated and without serious complications. 70% of colonoscopies revealed polyps of the colon and 6.7% revealed colon carcinoma. In 9 patients (30% of conducted studies) colonoscopy examination showed no pathological changes. Only in 4 cases the test was performed more than once.

Conclusions. Current recommendations regarding colonoscopic examinations in all acromegaly patients are implemented in less than half of the cases. Recommendations relating to colonoscopy being repeated every 2–3 years are followed occasionally.

Colonoscopy is a diagnostic test of great significance. In 70% of cases it enables the detection and removal of pathological lesions of the colon. As a low-invasive, safe and well-tolerated examination it should be performed in all patients. GPs should make acromegaly patients aware of the importance of colonoscopy and refer them for periodic follow-up examinations.