Cardiovascular aspects in Laron syndrome patients

The chapter describes the role of congenital insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) deficiency, such as in patients with Laron syndrome, on cardiac function, exercise capacity, endothelial function, and intimal thickening. Despite small cardiac dimensions, heart function is normal, exercise capacity is significantly reduced and endothelial function is similar to that of normal controls. Brachial artery diameter was significantly smaller than controls but with no differences in endothelial function measures. Intimal thickening in the common carotid and internal carotid arteries was slightly higher in LS compared with normal controls. The data highlight the risks for cardiovascular disease in IGF-I deficiency.