In acromegaly, there is increased bone at the tips of the digits. True or false?

In acromegaly, there is increased bone at the tips of the digits. True or false?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only in adolescence
• D. Unchanged

Answer: (A)

Excess growth hormone after the growth plates have closed drives bone widening and soft-tissue expansion, particularly at the distal phalanges. This produces enlargement of the tips of the fingers, known as distal digital tufting. That is a classic sign of acromegaly, so the statement is true. It isn’t limited to adolescence—acromegaly occurs in adults and causes these distal phalangeal changes along with broad hands and feet. Options suggesting it’s only in adolescence or that nothing changes don’t fit the pattern of acromegalic bone overgrowth.

Excess growth hormone after the growth plates have closed drives bone widening and soft-tissue expansion, particularly at the distal phalanges. This produces enlargement of the tips of the fingers, known as distal digital tufting. That is a classic sign of acromegaly, so the statement is true. It isn’t limited to adolescence—acromegaly occurs in adults and causes these distal phalangeal changes along with broad hands and feet. Options suggesting it’s only in adolescence or that nothing changes don’t fit the pattern of acromegalic bone overgrowth.