Acromegaly is a disease characterized by the progressive enlargement of the hands, feet, and internal organs due to hypersecretion of growth hormone. Treatment for this condition has favorable prognoses with timely and accurate diagnosis in Israel.
Causes
Acromegaly can occur for a number of reasons, the main ones being:
- production of growth hormone by a pituitary adenoma
- heredity
- Rosenthal-Klopfer syndrome – a combination of diseases such as acromegaly, gigantism, pachydermoperiostosis
- mutations of the 11q13 gene
- Sotos syndrome.
Symptoms
With increased secretion of growth hormone, there are bone and tissue changes, metabolic disturbances, leading to the following symptoms:
- changes in appearance (enlargement of hands, feet, appearance of coarse skin folds) due to disproportionate growth of tissues and bones
- enlargement of internal organs
- damage to the spine and joints
- muscle cramps, muscle weakness.
Additionally, sexual function is suppressed. Women experience menstrual cycle disturbances, and 30 percent of men have impotence.
As growth occurs, there is compression of nerve endings and tissues, increased intracranial pressure, light sensitivity, dizziness, and deterioration of hearing and smell. Patients with acromegaly also have an increased risk of developing pancreatic tumors.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of acromegaly in Israel is based on the symptoms present. To confirm the quantitative change in growth hormone, appropriate tests are conducted.
The following studies are also practiced:
- quantitative analysis of phosphorus in the blood
- analysis of calcium excretion in urine
- X-ray of the skull, joints, spine
- MRI
- electromyography
- ophthalmological tests.
Treatment
Treatment of acromegaly in Israel is conducted based on the established diagnosis and may include:
- removal of the pituitary adenoma
- radiation therapy using radiotherapy, teletherapy
- estrogen therapy, alone or in combination with androgens to reduce growth hormone secretion
- bromocriptine therapy in the pre- and postoperative period.
As mentioned earlier, the prognosis for treating acromegaly is favorable with timely diagnosis and adequate treatment.