Osmosis video - Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a rare disorder caused by too much growth hormone (GH) secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, a small organ at the base of the brain. In children, too much GH can lead to gigantism condition characterized by unusually tall stature. In adults, too much GH can cause acromegaly, which results in abnormal enlargement of the head, face, hands, and feet. It is usually accompanied by comorbidities like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease, and arthritis.