(ăk″rō-mĕg′ă-lē)
[Pronunciation]
[″ + megas, big]

A chronic syndrome of growth hormone excess, most often caused by a pituitary macroadenoma. It is characterized by gradual coarsening and enlargement of bones and facial features.
The diagnosis is suggested by a growth hormone level that does not suppress after glucose administration. It is confirmed by radiologic imaging of the pituitary gland.
SYN: Marie's disease

ETIOLOGY
Overproduction of growth hormone by somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary is responsible in most cases.

SYMPTOMS
The onset is often so gradual that patients and their close associates may not notice a change in appearance or function. Increased sweating, decreased libido, somnolence, mood disorders, muscular pain, weakness, and loss of vision may occur eventually. Signs include a thickening of facial features, enlargement of hands and feet, deepening voice, and separation of the teeth. A quarter of patients develop diabetes mellitus.

TREATMENT
Transsphenoidal resection of a growth-hormone secreting adenoma is the primary method of therapy. When this fails, medications, such as bromocriptine or octreotide, or radiotherapy may provide some relief.