Voice changes in acromegaly.

The fundamental frequency of 14 patients undergoing hypophysectomy was studied. Eight patients had acromegaly, 3 had a prolactinoma, and 3 had nonfunctioning adenomas. The fundamental frequency of 22 normal, healthy volunteers was measured for comparison. In addition, the external size of the larynx of all patients and volunteers was measured and a relationship between external laryngeal size and the mean fundamental frequency was identified in the volunteers. The mean fundamental frequency in patients with acromegaly was significantly lower than the other 6 patients undergoing hypophysectomy and, in addition, was also lower than the 22 normal volunteers. Postoperatively the fundamental frequency of the acromegalic patients increased rapidly to within the expected normal range. Patients with acromegaly have a lowered fundamental frequency which is most likely due to altered vocal cord mass and elasticity, which is a reversible change. Patients with acromegaly can expect a rapid and complete return of normal fundamental frequency within 2 weeks of surgery to remove the pituitary adenoma.