OBJECTIVETo observe the impact of growth-factor hormone control on the outcome of acromegalic cardiomyopathy by reviewing cases from our own center and from literatures.

METHODSTwo cases of acromegalic cardiomyopathy from Tongji hospital and 29 acromegalic cardiomyopathy cases with fully accessible data retrieved from PubMed and CNKI websites were included in present study for analysis. They were divided into "Controlled (< 5 microg/L)" or "Uncontrolled" group according to the serum level of growth factor hormone after treatments. Outcome of patients was evaluated by symptom, NYHA class, LV size and function status.

RESULTSIncidence of patients with improved symptoms and cardiac performance was significantly higher in "Controlled" group (18/19) compared to those in "Uncontrolled" group (0/12; P < 0.01, chi(2) = 27.1). Post-treatment growth-factor hormone level < 5 microg/L is significantly associated with a satisfactory outcome of acromegalic cardiomyopathy (r = 0.935, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSControl of serum growth-factor concentration to a value < 5 microg/L is critical and associated with a favorable outcome for patients with acromegalic cardiomyopathy.