Acromegaly Presenting With Cricoarytenoid Joint Arthropathy

Excess growth hormone in acromegaly induces characteristic acral and soft tissue overgrowth (particularly in the face and hands), arthropathies, as well as cardiovascular and metabolic complications. Similar proliferative changes can occur in the larynx, where hypertrophy of the arytenoid and cricoid cartilages may impair vocal fold mobility. We describe a rare case of acromegaly affecting the cricoarytenoid joints (CAJ), leading to proximal airway obstruction and demonstrating that these diarthrodial joints are susceptible to systemic arthropathies.