Partial glossectomy for macroglossia in an elderly acromegalic. A case report.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neurosurgery
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Acromegaly, a disorder caused by excess growth hormone, can lead to macroglossia (enlarged tongue).
• Macroglossia in acromegaly can cause significant functional impairments, including dysarthria (speech difficulties).
• Medical management, such as bromocriptine therapy, is often the first line of treatment for acromegaly.

Observation:

• A patient with acromegaly presented with significant tongue enlargement causing severe dysarthria.
• The patient's macroglossia was unresponsive to bromocriptine therapy.
• Surgical intervention was considered due to the failure of medical management.

Findings:

• A partial glossectomy technique was successfully employed for tongue reduction in this acromegaly patient.
• The surgical approach addressed the functional impairment caused by macroglossia.
• The case highlights the challenges in managing acromegaly-related complications.

Implications:

• Partial glossectomy is a viable surgical option for refractory macroglossia in acromegaly.
• Effective management of acromegaly-induced macroglossia requires a multidisciplinary approach.
• Understanding surgical and anesthetic risks in acromegaly patients is crucial for successful outcomes.