Pituitary & hypothalamus

Neuropathic foot ulcers in the tallest patients with acromegalic gigantism: a common and significant problem. Historical overview

PituitaryPublished Historical overview

Authors' conclusion

Neuropathic foot ulcers leading to hospital admissions and surgical and medical interventions were reported in 6 patients with acromegalic gigantism. These ulcers significantly impaired the daily activities of these individuals. Neuropathies of the sural nerve in patients with acromegalic gigantism can lead to hypoesthesia and hypoalgesia of the lower legs and feet. Potential contributing factors for the development of neuropathic ulcers of the feet in patients with acromegalic gigantism and neuropathy might be leg and foot deformities, muscle weakness and poor quality footwear. Diabetes mellitus, or impaired glucose intolerance does not necessarily seem to play a role.

Study context

Population
6 famous patients with acromegalic gigantism living in the twentieth century
Participants
6 case histories
Outcome
Neuropathic foot ulcers
Methodological detailscase series
  • Case series

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

Neuropathic foot ulcers leading to hospital admissions and surgical and medical interventions reported

6 patients

Observational data: associations, not effects.

Further findings

Final height and maximum weight of the giants

Height & weight per patient
272 cm. & 215.9 kg., 218.4 cm. & 125 kg., 242 cm. & 165 kg., 220.5 cm. & 135 kg., 235 cm. & 136 kg. and 224.8 cm. & 174 kg.

Original publication

Neuropathic foot ulcers in the tallest patients with acromegalic gigantism: a common and significant problem. Historical overview. Pituitary. Published 4 June 2023. doi:10.1007/s11102-023-01325-4

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