Acromegaly (Gr. Akron - Extremity, Me-Gale - Large)

Acromegaly is a disease characterized by excessive growth of the hands, feet, jaws and nose. The cause of acromegaly is excessive secretion of growth hormone - somatotropin - by the pituitary gland.

Due to the increased level of somatotropin, increased growth of cartilage and bone tissue occurs in the distal parts of the extremities, as well as in the facial skeleton. This leads to an increase in the size of the hands, feet, jaws and nose. Protrusion of the frontal and zygomatic bones may also be observed.

Other symptoms of acromegaly include: headaches, sweating, decreased sexual function, blurred vision, and hypertension.

The cause of hyperproduction of somatotropin is a tumor of the pituitary gland, in most cases a benign adenoma. Malignant tumors are less common.

Diagnosis of acromegaly is based on determining elevated levels of somatotropin and insulin-like growth factor in the blood. An MRI of the brain is also performed to identify a pituitary tumor.

Treatment involves removing the tumor through surgery or radiation therapy. Medicines that suppress the secretion of somatotropin are also used. With timely treatment, the prognosis is favorable.