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acromegaly
(ak″ro-meg´ә-le)
excessive enlargement of the limbs due to thickening of bones and soft tissues, caused by hypersecretion of growth hormone, usually from a tumor of the pituitary gland. In adults whose bone growth has stopped, the bones most affected are those of the face, jaw, hands, and feet. Gradual enlargement
of paranasal sinuses, prominence of nose and supraorbital ridges, prognathism, widely separated teeth, and an underbite are
part of the coarsening of facial features. Early signs include increased metabolism and strength and profuse sweating. Later
joint pain, weakness, and sometimes diabetes mellitus and visual disturbances are seen. In children overproduction of growth
hormone stimulates growth of long bones and results in gigantism.
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
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