Acromegaly

Acromegaly occurs in adults when a tumor/adenoma in the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, which can cause bone growth and enlarged organs. People with acromegaly experience changes in their physical appearance, such as enlarged hands, feet, lips, or nose. Other changes can include an enlarged tongue, growing spaces between your teeth, or a deepening voice. These physical changes usually take place over several years.

Complications of acromegaly include:

• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Bone fractures
• Sleep apnea
• Cardiomyopathy

Lab Testing
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels are usually significantly elevated in acromegaly.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Your provider may need additional tests to confirm if you have acromegaly. An oral glucose tolerance test requires an 8-hour fast. You will drink a high-sugar drink to raise your glucose, or blood sugar. Your labs will be drawn every 30 minutes for two hours to check glucose levels and growth hormone levels. In people with acromegaly, growth hormone levels are higher.

Imaging
Imaging scans, like an MRI, help your doctor assess your pituitary gland. 

Leading Experts in the Rare Pituitary Gland Disorders
Duke is one of only a handful of health centers equipped to treat acromegaly and other rare pituitary gland disorders. People are referred to our neuroendocrinologists and specialized surgeons from all over the United States.

Pituitary Center of Excellence
Duke Health experts are leaders in advanced treatment for people with all types of pituitary disorders. Collectively, our pituitary disorder clinics in Durham are designated a Pituitary Center of Excellence by the Pituitary Network Association, an international non-profit organization created to help people with pituitary tumors and disease.

Collaborative, All-In-One Pituitary Clinic
For your convenience, we offer a special pituitary clinic that allows you to see an endocrinologist, neurosurgeon, and ophthalmologist all in one day and in one location. These experts meet with you to review your case, order the appropriate tests, and offer recommendations for next steps.

Minimally Invasive Procedures
Minimally invasive procedures require smaller incisions than open surgery and mean you experience less pain, faster recovery, and fewer complications. Our highly specialized surgeries include transsphenoidal resection for pituitary disorders and tumors.