Acromegaly / by Maximilian Sternberg ; translated by F.R.B. Atkinson.

  • Sternberg, Maximilian, 1863-
Date:
[1899]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Acromegaly / by Maximilian Sternberg ; translated by F.R.B. Atkinson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    exoplitlialmos constitutiiig a striking deformity. Important for tlie patiejit is the injury to tlie optic tracts or to the oculo-motor nei'ves, caused by pressure of the tumour of the hypophysis, which causes repeatedly frightful headache. The. hearing may also suffer. The larynx shows in many cases increase in size in all its parts. The voice is unnaturally low and hoarse, so that the patients, especially women, often thereby attract attention. Changes in the thj^roid are usual: at one time one finds a goitre, at another the gland is diminished in size. The appetite is often increased to an insatiable feeling of hunger. Thirst also may become extraordinary. Serious changes may be experienced in the circulation. The heart is dilated and hypertrophied, the arterial system extensively diseased. Many patients show when at rest a slight cyanosis: the muscle of the heart is insufficient for any strong demand. According to the degree of thirst, the quantity of the urine is, in many cases, increased, Frequently one finds an abundant secretion of sugar with the other phenomena which attend “true” diabetes, as boils, acetonuria, and separation of aceto-acetic acid. Hunger and thirst may also in cases be attended with a normal amount of urine. The external genitals may also participate in the enlarge- ment of the aKpa: moreover, there is frequently in men diminished sexual power; in women amenorrhoea is an early symptom, as above mentioned. The disease may remain stationary for many years. Some- times a very considerable abatement occurs. Gradually, how- ever, the weakness increases ; the muscles, in comparison with the powerful size of the extremities, always become weaker, breathlessness arises, weariness and drowsiness gain ground. Finally the organs of digestion fail in their function, or very often threatening symptoms due to the cranial tumour be- come ])rominent. If intermediate illnesses or complications do not carry off the invalid, he becomes worse, and is finally completely confined to his bed, until at last death, often sudden and unexpected, releases him. 2