Characteristics of dentofacial anomalies in patients with acromegaly

Acromegaly is a systemic disease affecting all body structures. The main focus of treatment is the restoration of hormonal levels. However, emerging morphological changes in the maxillary system may require the involvement of specialists from dentistry and maxillofacial surgery. Materials and methods. The study involved 40 patients with acromegaly aged 18 and over, 20 men and 20 women. Patients undergoing drug treatment for pituitary adenoma (correction of GH and/or insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1) levels) were included. The patients underwent a general clinical examination, computed tomography of the facial bones, and additionally examined the condition of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The quality-of-life assessment questionnaires filled out by patients at the hospital stage were studied. Results. Pathology of the maxillary system was detected in 90% of patients, which is expressed by complaints of patients with difficulty receiving and combined with TMJ pathology, which, in turn, was asymptomatic in most patients. 70% of the surveyed noted impaired speech and sound formation. It has been established that an increased level of growth hormone for 5 years or more leads to persistent morphological changes in the maxillary system and thereby reduces the quality of life of patients with acromegaly. Conclusion. A comprehensive in-depth examination of the dental system in patients with acromegaly makes it possible to diagnose and subsequently comprehensively rehabilitate, while improving the quality of life.