ABSTRACT
Excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH) in adults causes hypertrophy of soft tissues and bone, particularly in the tips (Greek akros, meaning extremities), leading to the name of the disease. The effects are mediated directly by GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Treatment for the condition may be surgical (hypophysectomy) or medical (dopamine antagonists or somatostatin analogues).
