Acromegaly
Managing challenging symptoms can be difficult, but with ongoing medical care and support, patients can have improved quality of life.
Living with acromegaly
Acromegaly is a rare condition that profoundly affects the lives of those diagnosed. The following profiles highlight typical patient concerns and common symptoms associated with acromegaly.
Patient
John
Age: 45 years old
Patient Insight
John has expressed concerns about his appearance due to noticeable enlargement of his hands and feet, which has made finding suitable clothing and shoes difficult. He also experiences severe joint pain and frequent headaches, which interfere with his work as a construction worker. John feels self-conscious about his changing appearance and is often frustrated by the physical limitations caused by his symptoms.
Post-Surgery Status
John underwent transsphenoidal surgery 8 months ago to remove a pituitary adenoma. Despite the surgery, his symptoms persist, and his growth hormone levels remain elevated.
Disease
Acromegaly (persistent, post-surgery)
Diagnosed
Diagnosed 2 years ago, pituitary adenoma confirmed with MRI
Surgery
Transsphenoidal surgery performed, but inadequate response; residual tumor present in the cavernous sinus
Signs and Symptoms
John continues to experience several signs and symptoms associated with excess growth hormone levels:
- Persistent enlargement of hands and feet (shoes and rings no longer fit)
- Joint pain and stiffness, particularly in his knees and elbows
- Frequent headaches
- Mild facial changes (thickened lips, slightly enlarged nose)
- Fatigue and weakness
- Snoring and sleep apnea
Relevant Laboratory Parameters
- Current GH Status: Uncontrolled post-surgery
- IGF-1: 2.8 × ULN
- GH Levels: Elevated GH levels confirmed by oral glucose tolerance test
Consider Management Options: Consider prescribing a somatostatin analog to lower GH levels and improve clinical manifestations of acromegaly.
Patient
Sarah
Age: 52 years old
Patient Insight
Sarah has expressed concerns about her appearance due to noticeable facial changes, including a prominent jaw and enlarged nose. She reports feeling fatigued and weak, which affects her ability to manage her household and care for her family. Sarah also struggles with excessive sweating and has noticed her voice becoming deeper over time, which makes her self-conscious.
Treatment History
Sarah began treatment with a first-generation somatostatin analog (SSA). Her dosage was gradually increased to the maximum level, which successfully controlled her symptoms until recently.
Disease
Acromegaly (persistent, post-treatment)
Diagnosed
Diagnosed 2 years ago, pituitary adenoma confirmed with MRI
Surgery
Not eligible for surgery (physician judgment); tumor extends into the cavernous sinus
Signs and Symptoms
Sarah continues to experience several signs and symptoms associated with excess growth hormone levels:
- Continued facial changes (prominent jaw, enlarged nose, and thickened lips)
- Deepening of the voice
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue and weakness
- Enlargement of hands and feet (difficulty wearing rings and shoes)
- Mild joint pain, primarily in her wrists and ankles
Relevant Laboratory Parameters
- Current GH Status: Uncontrolled
- IGF-1: 3.2 × ULN
Consider Management Options: Consider prescribing a somatostatin analog to lower GH levels and improve clinical manifestations of acromegaly.
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Select a Patient Profile

Patient: John
Age: 45 years old

Patient: Sarah
Age: 52 years old
The information provided is intended for educational purposes. The fictitious case studies do not refer to any portrayed patients but depict the general aspects and manifestations of acromegaly. All photographs are used with permission. No personal medical information is disclosed.
The information provided is intended for educational purposes. The fictitious case studies do not refer to any portrayed patients but depict the general aspects and manifestations of acromegaly. All photographs are used with permission. No personal medical information is disclosed.
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