This online CME program is based on a presentation made at the Serono Symposia International Foundation event International Symposium on Growth Hormone which took place in Santiago de Compostela, November 18-20, 2004.

Acromegaly is a rare disease characterized by progressive somatic disfigurement and a wide range of systemic manifestations. At diagnosis, patients generally exhibit coarsened facial features, exaggerated growth of hands and feet, and soft tissue hypertrophy. Other characteristics may include cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders and various other osteo-skeletal complications. Early diagnosis and intervention may help prevent these complications and help normalize life expectancy in patients with the disease.

The goal of this program is to provide endocrinologists, pediatric endocrinologists and other healthcare providers with an understanding of the severe systemic complications of acromegaly.


Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this program, the participant will be able to:

Discuss the most common causes of mortality in patients with acromegaly.

Describe the complications of acromegaly associated with the cardiovascular, respiratory and osteo-skeletal systems.

Apply therapeutic strategies for the treatment and management of these complications.

Discuss the oncological risk in patients with acromegaly.