Acromegaly
by
Rick Alan DefinitionAcromegaly is a rare disorder caused by an excess of growth hormone (GH). GH controls the growth of soft tissue and bone. Elevated GH causes an excess of bone and soft tissue growth. It can cause serious complications and early death if not treated. In young children, bone growth is still occurring. Excess GH can cause a similar condition called gigantism. Gigantism causes dramatic growth in children. CausesThe pituitary gland is a small gland located at the base of the brain. It produces many hormones, including GH. In most cases, the elevation of GH is caused by a benign tumor of this gland. In a small number of cases, cancerous tumors of other organs, such as the pancreas, adrenal, or lung, may be the source of excess GH.
Risk FactorsAcromegaly is more common in people aged 40-45 years old. Family history of acromegaly may rarely increase your risk of this condition. SymptomsSymptoms usually develop slowly over time. In children, the bones grow longer and cause soft tissue swelling. If not treated, children can grow to a height of 7-8 feet. Symptoms and complications in adults may include:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. It is helpful for the doctor to have pictures of yourself when you were younger. A physical exam will be done. Acromegaly is often not diagnosed until years after it begins. You will have blood tests. Images may be taken of your bodily structures. This can be done with: TreatmentThe goals of treatment are to:
Treatment may include: SurgeryThe tumor that is believed to be causing acromegaly may be removed. In most cases, this is the preferred treatment. However, drug treatment is increasing in popularity. Radiation TherapyIn adults, external beams of radiation are used to shrink the tumor. It is most often used when surgery cannot be used or when medications have failed. MedicationMedications may be given to:
PreventionThere are no current guidelines to prevent acromegaly. Early treatment will help to prevent serious complications. RESOURCES:National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases http://www.niddk.nih.gov Pituitary Network Association http://www.pituitary.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism http://www.endo-metab.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Abrams P, Alexopoulou O, Abs R, Maiter D, Verhelst J. Optimalization and cost management of lanreotide-Autogel therapy in acromegaly.
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Acromegaly. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116280/Acromegaly
. Updated October 30, 2015. Accessed February 26, 2018.
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N Engl J Med. 2000;342(16):1171-1177. Last reviewed March 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Alan Drabkin, MD Last Updated: 2/17/2016 | |
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