Acromegaly

Acromegaly is an extremely rare syndrome that results when the anterior pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone (GH) after epiphyseal plate closure at puberty. If GH is produced in excess prior to epiphyseal plate closure, the result is gigantism (or giantism). A number of disorders may increase the pituitary's GH output, although most commonly it involves a tumor called pituitary adenoma.  Symptoms include large tongue with deep furrows, deep voice, large hands and feet, coarsening of facial features, frontal bossing, diaphoresis (excessive sweating), and impaired glucose tolerance (insulin resistance).