The man with acromegaly who inspired the Shrek animated project

Authors

  • Lorenzo Curtò Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti at the University of Messina
  • Francesco Ferraù Dipartimento di Patologia Umana dell'adulto e dell'età evolutiva "G. Barresi", University of Messina, Messina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6092/1828-6550/APMB.107.2.2019.HV1

Keywords:

Acromegaly, Dysmorphic features, High stature, Hyperprognatism, Thickened lips, Frontal bossing

Abstract

Acromegaly is a rare chronic, progressive endocrine disorder usually due to a growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenoma and characterized by progressive anatomical disfigurement, mainly involving face and extremities, and metabolic dysfunctions determined by increased circulating GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels (1,2). A 43-year-old man photographed in 1946 by Irving Penn was the professional wrestler Maurice Tillet (1903-1954), known by the nickname “the French Angel” who inspired the Shrek animated design.

References

1. Chanson, P., Salenave, S. (2008) Acromegaly. Orphanet J Rare Dis, 3,17.

2. Melmed, S. (2006) Acromegaly. N Engl J Med, 355,2558-2573.

3. Prins Harald, E.L. “Ethnographic Portraits, 1967-71.” Pp. 212-219, 366-367. Irving Penn: Centennial. Edited by Maria. M. Hambourg. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art/Yale U Press, 2017. ISBN 978-1588396181.

4. Gadelha, M.R,, Kasuki, L., Korbonits, M. (2017) The genetic background of acromegaly. Pituitary, 20,10-21.

5. Trimarchi, F., Cannavò, S. (2018) The boxer world heavyweight champion Primo Carnera portrayed by 6. Giacomo Balla. J Endocrinol Invest, 41,495-496.

7. De Herder,W.W. (2016) The History of Acromegaly. Neuroendocrinology, 103,7-17.

8. Lombardi, G., Di Somma, C., Grasso, L.F., Ravanelli, M.C., Colao, A., Pivonello, R. (2012) 9. The cardiovascular system in growth hormone excess and growth hormone deficiency.J Endocrinol Invest, 35,1021-1029.

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Published

2019-11-11

Issue

Vol. 107 No. 2 (2019)

Section

HISTORICAL VIGNETTE

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