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Acromegaly |
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Definition
Acromegaly is a disorder
in which the abnormal release of a particular chemical
from the pituitary gland in the brain causes increased
growth in bone and soft tissue, as well as a variety
of other disturbances throughout the body. This
chemical released from the pituitary gland is called
growth hormone (GH).
Cause
Symptoms
- Enlarged hands
- Enlarged feet
- Widened fingers or toes due to skin overgrowth
with swelling, redness, and pain
- Enlarged jaw (prognathism) and tongue
- Enlarged facial bones
- Thickening of the skin, skin tags
- Enlarged sebaceous glands
- Hoarseness
- Headache
- Easy fatigue
- Excessive sweating
- Decreased muscle strength (weakness)
- Limited joint mobility
- Joint pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Widely spaced teeth
- Swelling of the bony areas around a joint
Diagnostics Tests
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The level of growth hormone is high.
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The level of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) is
high.
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A spine
X-ray shows abnormal bone growth.
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A cranial
MRI or cranial CT scan may show a pituitary tumor.
Treatment
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Microsurgery to remove the pituitary tumor causing
this condition
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Radiation of the pituitary gland
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Treatment with the medications cabergoline or
octreotide may control growth hormone secretions in
some people
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Pegvisomant, a new drug that directly blocks the
effects of growth hormone, has been shown to improve
symptoms of acromegaly
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