Acromegaly: Clinical features

Acromegaly is due to hypersecretion  of growth hormone from a macroadenoma. Acromegaly develops insidiously and recognising a classic case of acromegaly is not difficult.

You can memorise the features by just remembering the mnemonic,

'ACROMEGALIC'

•   Acral enlargement  - leading to usage of larger shoes, gloves, rings or even dentures
•   Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Coarse facial features, Cardiovascular disease, Cardiomyopathy
•   Reduced life span due to increased CVD (and colorectal cancers)
•   OSA, Osteopaenia, Osteoporosis
•   Macroglossia
•   Entrapment neuropathy, soft tissue Enlargement
•   Abnormal GTT, bitemporal hemiAnopia
•   Loss of libido, Lipid abnormality
•   IGF incresed
•   Colorectal cancer risk is increased

Did you know?

Some of the terms like 'spade hands' used to describe acromegaly in many text books are insulting and of little practical use.

Mortality is increased two to three fold in acromegaly due to cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory diseases and malignancies.

Diagnosis is confirmed by GTT and elevated IGF-1.