DiscussionAcromegaly is caused by abnormal growth hormone and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) after the growth plates are closed. It is called gigantism if it occurs when the growth plates are open and causes increased linear growth. Acromegaly, since it acts on closed growth plates, shows other physical signs including frontal bossing, prognathism, coarse facial features, macrocephaly, moderate obesity, thickened skin, thickened fingers and toes, hyperhidrosis and other problems. If the IGF-1 exposure is prolonged other problems occur such as cardiac hypertrophy and osteoarthritis. Benign tumors are also relatively common with acromegaly, but increased risk of malignancies is controversial. Acromegaly usually occurs in the 3rd decade but gigantism can occur at any age prior to growt... read more..
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