Abstract

Acromegaly is the clinical syndrome that results from excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH). The most common cause of acromegaly is a GH secreting adenoma of the anterior pituitary. The onset of acromegaly is insidious, and its progression is usually very slow. Acral osseous and soft tissue overgrowth is present in almost all patients with acromegaly. Prognathism and enlarged hands and feet are characteristic findings. Patients with acromegaly have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, thyroid cancer, and other tumors. Death is generally caused by cardiovascular diseases. Transsphenoidal surgery is the main treatment option for patientswith acromegaly. Medical treatment including long-acting somatostatin analog, cabergoline or pegvisomant is indicated in case of surgical failure. If adenoma size increases or GH/IGF-1 hypersecretion persists despite medical therapy, reoperation or radiotherapywould be treatment options.

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