Acromegaly

 

2.Acromegaly

 

Definition

 

It is a condition characterized by excessive production of the growth hormone in an adult.

 

Clinical features

1.The face, especially the lower jaw, becomes broad.

2.The head becomes large.

3.The hands look spade-like.

4.The tongue enlarges

5.The nose and lips become  thick.

6.The skin is thick and cracked.

7.The voice changes.The spread is sluggish.

8.Hypertension develops.

9.There are features of pituitary tumour(see chapter 21) if that  is the cause of acromegaly.

 

Investigations

1.Serum growth hormone level:High.

2.X-ray skull :Features of pituitary tumour.

3.CT scan of brain:Pituitary tumour is seen .

4.MRI of head:Pituitary tumour is seen.

 

Treatment

1.The pituitary tumour is  removed by surgery .The approach may be any of the following:-

2.Radium needles may be put into the tumour.

3.Antihypertensive drugs are given for hypertension.