Acromegaly
Acromegaly: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Acromegaly is a rare disorder that occurs when the body produces an excess of growth hormone (GH) throughout the life of an individual. The overproduction of GH usually results from a benign tumor on the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. This tumor, known as a pituitary adenoma, secretes too much GH.
The excess GH causes the body to produce too much insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), which can result in a range of physical changes, such as enlarged hands, feet, jaw and forehead, as well as thickening of the skin, increased skin pigmentation and abnormalities in the bones, heart, kidneys and blood vessels.
The symptoms of acromegaly vary from person to person, but common signs and symptoms include:
- Enlarged hands, feet and facial features (such as the forehead, jaw and nose)
- Enlarged organs, including the heart and kidneys
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Impaired vision
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter)
- Abnormalities of the bones and teeth
If left untreated, acromegaly can lead to major health complications such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, vision problems, hypertension, respiratory issues, and arthritis.
Diagnosing Acromegaly
To diagnose acromegaly, a doctor will use a variety of tests, such as blood tests, imaging studies, and a physical examination. Blood tests are typically used to measure the levels of growth hormones and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scans can be used to detect a pituitary tumor.
A physical exam can also be used to diagnose acromegaly. The doctor will examine the patient’s features for signs of acromegaly, such as enlarged hands, feet and facial features; thickening of the skin; and abnormalities in the bones.
Treatment for Acromegaly
Treatment for acromegaly is focused on reducing the production of growth hormone and/or decreasing levels of IGF-1, restoring the body to a normal size. Treatment for acromegaly may include surgery, radiation therapy, medications, and/or lifestyle changes. Surgery is typically done to remove the tumor, and radiation therapy is used to shrink the tumor.
In some cases, medications may be used to control the production of growth hormone and IGF-1 levels. Common medications used to treat acromegaly include somatostatin analogs, dopamine agonists, and growth hormone receptor blockers.
In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy eating, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep may help manage the symptoms of acromegaly.