Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by excess growth hormone (GH) secretion in adults, usually caused by a pituitary adenoma, leading to abnormal growth of bones and soft tissues. If GH excess occurs before epiphyseal closure, it results in gigantism.

Definition

Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by excess growth hormone (GH) secretion in adults, usually caused by a pituitary adenoma, leading to abnormal growth of bones and soft tissues. If GH excess occurs before epiphyseal closure, it results in gigantism.

Epidemiology

Incidence: ~3–4 per million per year
Prevalence: 40–70 per million
Most commonly diagnosed in adults aged 40–50 years
Slightly higher prevalence in males

Etiology

Pituitary adenoma (most common, ~95%)
Ectopic GH or GHRH-secreting tumors (rare)
Familial syndromes (MEN1, Carney complex, McCune-Albright syndrome)

Pathophysiology

Excess GH → increased IGF-1 from the liver → abnormal tissue growth
Bone enlargement, especially hands, feet, and jaw
Soft tissue swelling → organomegaly
Metabolic effects → insulin resistance, glucose intolerance