Acromegaly
Acromegaly
Pathological enlargement of the extremities following the growth phase. The cause is usually an overproduction of growth hormone (somatotropin) in the cells of the anterior pituitary gland. This leads to changes in facial features due to increased growth of soft facial tissues such as the nose, ears, lower jaw, lips, and teeth, as well as enlargement of non-bony extremities such as the toes, feet, and hands.
Excerpt from the Austrian Acromegaly Registry www.akromegalie-register.at:
"If inadequately treated, acromegaly leads to a reduction in life expectancy. 30% of patients suffer from arterial hypertension, 20% from cardio-cerebrovascular disease, 20% from diabetes mellitus, and 55% from sleep apnea. This comorbidity increases with the level of STH concentration. Cardiovascular causes are the leading cause of mortality in acromegaly. In 60% of cases, patients die from a cardiovascular event. In 25% of cases, respiratory diseases are the cause of death. Cancers—particularly colorectal cancer—may occur more frequently."
Further information
Glossary
Acra: The distal parts of the body, such as fingers, hands, toes, feet, chin, nose, eyebrows, and zygomatic arches.