Acromegaly Flashcards Preview

MedED Year 3 Endocrinology > Acromegaly > Flashcards

Flashcards in Acromegaly Deck (8)
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1
Q

Definition of acromegaly and gigantism?

A

Acromegaly - hypersecretion of growth hormone in adults

Gigantism - hypersecretion of growth hormone in children

2
Q

What is acromegaly usually caused by?

A

GH-secreting adenoma in the pituitary

3
Q

Pathophysiology of acromegaly?

A

Excess GH stimulates the release of IGF-1

- this results in growth of bones and soft tissue

4
Q

Presentation of acromegaly?

A
- signs of soft tissue growth
Coarse facial features (particularly protruding jaw)
Sleep apnoea
Weight gain
Headaches/visual disturbance
Carpal tunnel syndrome (transverse ligament growth)
Hypertension
Insulin resistance
Sweating
Rings/shoes become tight
5
Q

Investigations in acromegaly?

A

Screening - serum IGF-1
Diagnostic - OGTT
MRI brain (visualise pituitary tumour)

6
Q

How do acromegalics respond to OGTT?

A

Fail to suppress GH after 75g glucose load

GH doesn’t drop below 1 ng/mL

7
Q

Management of acromegaly?

A

1st line - transphenoidal hypophysectomy

2nd line - somatostatin analogue (ocreotide)

8
Q

Why is growth hormone itself an inappropriate investigation in acromegaly?

A

Release is pulsatile

Release is affected by numerous factors such as sleep, stress, age, etc