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acromegaly

Definition:

  1. Acromegaly is a metabolic disorder caused by the presence of too much growth hormone. It results in gradual enlargement of body tissues including the bones of the face, jaw, hands, feet, and skull.
    ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia
  2. Acromegaly is a rare condition caused by abnormally high amounts of human growth hormone (HGH). An organ in the brain known as the pituitary gland, normally secretes this growth hormone. Normal amounts of HGH are needed for normal growth and physical maturity in children. However, in acromegaly, there is an increased amount of HGH released, generally by a tumor that forms in the pituitary. Untreated, acromegaly can lead to numerous disabling conditions, as well as a significantly decreased life span.
    Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders Part I
  3. A disorder marked by progressive enlargement of peripheral parts of the body, especially the head, face, hands, and feet, resulting from excessive secretion of somatotropin; organomegaly and metabolic disorders occur; diabetes mellitus may develop.acromegaliaacro- + G. megas, large
    Stedman's Medical Dictionary, 28th Edition. 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Alternative Names:

Somatotroph adenoma,  Growth hormone excess

Pronunciation

ak′rō-meg′ă-lē

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