acromegaly

ac·ro·meg·a·ly

noun \ˌa-krō-ˈme-gə-lē\

Definition of ACROMEGALY

: a disorder caused by excessive production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland and marked especially by progressive enlargement of hands, feet, and face

— ac·ro·me·gal·ic \-mə-ˈga-lik\ adjective or noun

Origin of ACROMEGALY

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use: 1889

ac·ro·meg·a·ly

noun \ˌak-rō-ˈmeg-ə-lē\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; ac·ro·meg·a·lies

Medical Definition of ACROMEGALY

: a disorder that is caused by chronic overproduction of growth hormone by the pituitary gland and is characterized by a gradual and permanent enlargement of the flat bones (as the lower jaw) and of the hands and feet, abdominal organs, nose, lips, and tongue and that develops after ossification is complete—compare gigantism

acromegaly

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Growth and metabolic disorder in which the skeletal extremities enlarge when a pituitary gland tumor causes overproduction of growth hormone after maturity. It is often associated with pituitary gigantism. Acromegaly is characterized by gradual enlargement of hands and feet, exaggeration of facial features, skin thickening, and enlargement of most internal organs, along with headaches, excessive sweating, and high blood pressure. Acromegalic individuals are likely to develop congestive heart failure, muscle weakness, joint pain, osteoporosis, and often diabetes mellitus and visual problems, including blindness. If treatment with surgery and/or radiation fails, then hormone therapy is used. Treatment can cause hormone deficiency, necessitating hormone replacement therapy; spontaneous events may also cause hormone deficiency.