Key Facts
Acromegaly is a chronic, progressive hormonal disorder caused by an overproduction of Growth Hormone (GH). It is a rare condition, typically diagnosed in middle-aged adults. If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea.
Pathophysiology
Over 95% of cases are caused by a benign (noncancerous) pituitary adenoma. This tumor hypersecretes GH, which in turn triggers the liver to overproduce Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is the primary mediator of bone and soft tissue overgrowth throughout the body.
Symptoms & Clinical Features
Diagnosis
Screening starts with serum IGF-1 levels (stable throughout the day). Confirmation is via an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), where GH levels fail to suppress below 1 mcg/L after glucose intake. A high-resolution contrast-enhanced Pituitary MRI is then performed to visualize the adenoma.
Diagnostic Pathway
Initial Screening
Symptom review and baseline hormonal blood tests.
Confirmatory Testing
Advanced diagnostic protocols (e.g., OGTT, MRI, Suppression tests).
Personalized Plan
Tailored treatment strategy based on clinical results.
Treatment & Management
Transsphenoidal surgery is the first-line treatment for most patients. Medical management includes Somatostatin Analogs (Octreotide, Lanreotide) to inhibit GH secretion, Growth Hormone Receptor Antagonists (Pegvisomant) to block IGF-1 production, and Dopamine Agonists (Cabergoline). Stereotactic radiosurgery is reserved for persistent cases.
Personalized treatment plans for your health.