Outlook

Treatments for acromegaly are successful in a significant number of people. Unfortunately, however, the disease is rarely caught early enough to prevent permanent damage or even premature death.

• Bone changes of acromegaly are permanent.
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• Many of the soft-tissue changes, such as swelling, enlarged tongue, thickened skin, acne, and carpal tunnel syndrome are reversible with treatment. Depression and sexual problems also may improve with treatment. Goiter and other organ enlargement improve in some cases.
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• Complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high triglycerides start to reverse when the levels of growth hormone and IGF-1 are normalized. If these changes are reversed, serious illness, such as heart disease and stroke or death can be prevented.