Arcomegaly

Chronic metabolic disorder occuring in 6 of every 100,000 people, characterized by excessive growth hormone levels causing the body tissues to gradually enlarge.

Acromegaly Symptoms

Acromegaly symptoms tend to be enlarged feet, hands, jaw (prognathism), facial bones, general height and joint swelling and pain and decreased joint movement. Other symptoms include skin problems like think skin, headaches, general weakness and sleeping problems. If symptoms are not treated, they can lead to Carpal tunnel syndrome.

Acromegaly Causes

Acromegaly is caused by abnormal production of growth hormone after the skeleton and other organs finish growing. Increased growth hormone release is usually due to a noncancerous (benign) tumor of the pituitary gland that affects how it releases hormones.

Acromegaly Tests and Treatment

Testing for Acromegaly involves measuring growth hormone levels and other growth factors to determine that symptoms are related to the growth hormone and improper petuitary gland function. Other tests like spinal x-rays or pituitary MRI can show abnormal bone growth or a pituitary tumor. An Echocardiogram can show a number of heart problems that could be caused by Acromegaly.

Surgery to repair the petuitary gland is often successful. If left untreated, the Acromegaly symptoms will get worse.