A legendary sumo wrestler with gigantism or acromegaly? The case of Ikezuki Geitazaemon (1827–1850)

Abstract

Sumo is a traditional Japanese full-contact wrestling sport. Among sumo wrestlers, Ikezuki Geitazaemon (1827–1850) was one of the most famous wrestlers due to his large body size. Here, we hypothesize that the legendary Japanese sumo wrestler could have had gigantism or acromegaly, which are disorders caused by the hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH). GH-secreting pituitary adenoma leads to the hypersecretion of GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). If GH-secreting pituitary adenoma develops during childhood/puberty, it can cause gigantism. Adenomas also occur in over 95% of patients with acromegaly. Based on his substantial height (227 cm), Geitazaemon may have had gigantism, or acromegaly considering his characteristics of mandibular prognathism, enlarged fingertips, and heel pad thickness, as shown in woodblock prints (ukiyo-e). He would thus be the first recorded patient with gigantism or acromegaly in premodern Japan.