Overview
Acromegaly is a rare hormonal disorder that occurs when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone (GH) in adulthood. This leads to gradual enlargement of bones and tissues, most noticeably in the hands, feet, and face. If untreated, it can cause serious complications, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Symptoms
Symptoms develop slowly and can include:
Enlarged hands and feet (rings or shoes may no longer fit) Coarse facial features (enlarged jaw, nose, or forehead) Thickened skin Joint pain or stiffness Excessive sweating Fatigue and weakness Headaches or vision problems (if tumor presses on surrounding structures)
Causes
The most common cause is a benign tumor (adenoma) of the pituitary gland that produces too much growth hormone. Rare causes include tumors in other parts of the body that secrete GH or growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves hormone testing and imaging studies:
Blood tests to measure growth hormone and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) levels Oral glucose tolerance test (to see if GH levels suppress appropriately) MRI of the pituitary gland to detect adenomas
Treatment
Treatment aims to reduce GH levels, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications:
Surgery – removal of pituitary tumor (transsphenoidal surgery) Medication – somatostatin analogs, GH receptor antagonists, or dopamine agonists Radiation therapy – used if surgery and medication are not fully effective
Complications
If untreated, acromegaly can lead to:
Type 2 diabetes High blood pressure and heart disease Sleep apnea Arthritis and joint damage Increased risk of certain cancers (e.g., colon cancer)
Prevention & Care
Early diagnosis and treatment to reduce hormone levels Regular follow-ups with endocrinologists Healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking Monitoring for cardiovascular and metabolic complications