Mortality is approximately doubled in acromegaly compared with the normal population (Fig. 3.16). The main reason for this is the presence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease secondary to hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Respiratory disease also occurs with increased frequency. Early treatment is therefore recommended.
Aims of treatment should be the relief of symptoms, the reversal of the somatic changes occurring with acromegaly, together with reversal of the associated metabolic abnormalities. The ideal treatment should cause the minimum disturbance to the patient with no side effects, particularly that of hypopituitarism.
Early treatment avoids the subsequent complications of diabetes mellitus, enlargement of the tumour, hypopituitarism, osteoarthritis and cardiomyopathy.
