Acromegaly

Definition

Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that occurs when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone (GH) after the growth plates have closed. This results in the enlargement of bones and tissues, particularly in the hands, feet, and face. The condition is often caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland called an adenoma, which affects the regulation of hormone secretion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acromegaly typically develops in middle-aged adults, although it can occur at any age.
2. Common symptoms of acromegaly include enlarged hands and feet, facial changes such as a protruding jaw, and joint pain.
3. If left untreated, acromegaly can lead to serious health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
4. Diagnosis is usually made through blood tests measuring levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and MRI scans to detect pituitary tumors.
5. Treatment options for acromegaly include surgical removal of the tumor, medication to block growth hormone production, or radiation therapy.

Review Questions

• How does acromegaly result from dysfunction of the pituitary gland, and what role does growth hormone play in this condition?
  • Acromegaly results from the pituitary gland producing excess growth hormone after the closure of growth plates. This overproduction often stems from a benign tumor known as a pituitary adenoma. The excess growth hormone leads to an increase in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), causing abnormal growth of bones and tissues in adults, manifesting as enlarged hands, feet, and facial features.
• Discuss the potential health complications associated with untreated acromegaly and their underlying mechanisms.
  • Untreated acromegaly can lead to several serious health complications, including diabetes mellitus due to insulin resistance, hypertension from increased vascular pressure, and cardiovascular diseases from strain on the heart. The elevated levels of growth hormone and IGF-1 promote metabolic changes that exacerbate these conditions. Additionally, the structural changes in bones and tissues can lead to joint problems and increased risk of arthritis.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current treatment modalities for acromegaly and how they address the underlying causes of the disorder.
  • Current treatment modalities for acromegaly include surgical removal of pituitary tumors, medications that inhibit growth hormone production like somatostatin analogs, and radiation therapy. Surgical intervention directly addresses the source by removing adenomas responsible for excess hormone production. Medications help regulate hormone levels by blocking their secretion or effects on target tissues. Radiation therapy can be used when surgery is not possible or effective enough. Overall, these treatments aim to normalize growth hormone levels and mitigate symptoms while reducing long-term health risks associated with the disorder.

Related terms

Growth Hormone: A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration in humans and other animals.

Pituitary Adenoma: A noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland that can lead to hormonal imbalances and various endocrine disorders.

Gigantism: A condition similar to acromegaly but occurs in children or adolescents before their growth plates have closed, resulting in abnormal growth of bones and height.