Surgery for acromegaly: Indications and goals

Acromegaly is a disease that occurs secondary to high levels of GH, most often from a hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma, with multisystem adverse effects. Diagnosis includes serum GH and IGF-1 levels, and obtaining an MRI pituitary protocol to assess for a functional pituitary adenoma. Attempted gross total resection of the GH-secreting adenoma is the gold standard in treatment for patients with acromegaly for a goal of biochemical remission. Medical and radiation therapies are available when patients do not achieve biochemical cure after surgical therapy.

Automated summary

Acromegaly is a disease caused by excessive levels of growth hormone, usually due to hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas, leading to adverse effects in multiple systems. Diagnosis involves measuring serum growth hormone and IGF-1 levels and obtaining an MRI to evaluate pituitary adenoma function. Complete surgical resection of the growth hormone-secreting adenoma is the preferred treatment for acromegaly, aiming for biochemical remission. Medical and radiation therapies are available if biochemical cure is not achieved after surgery.