The man with acromegaly who inspired the Shrek animated project

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.

Keywords

• acromegaly
• dysmorphic features
• high stature
• hyperprognatism
• thickened lips
• frontal bossing