[Acromegaly]

Abstract

Acromegaly is a rare and disabling disease with a plethora of symptoms and signs attributed to sustained elevations and actions of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1. Acromegaly is characterised by excessive somatic growth and multiple comorbidities in addition to occasional compression of the optic nerve and hypopituitarism due to the underlying adenoma. The course of the disease is insidious, and a diagnostic delay of 5-10 years is typical, and this pre-diagnostic period is also associated with increased morbidity. Effective treatment is available, once the diagnosis is established.