Pituitary: Acromegaly Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is Acromegaly?
Growth disorder caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior Pituitary gland.
What is the primary cause of Acromegaly?
Pituitary Adenoma
Stomatotroph adenoma that secretes excess GH
What is the difference between Gigantism and Acromegaly?
Gigantism occurs earlier in life presenting with tall stature due to excessive GH secretion before epiphyseal closure.
What are the symptoms of Acromegaly?
- Coarse facial features
- Spade-like hands
- Increased shoe size
- Large tongue
- Prognathism
- Tall stature (only in gigantism)
- Interdental spaces
- Headaches
- Bitemporal hemianopia
- Hypopituitarism
What is a rare cause of Acromegaly related to hormone production?
Ectopic GHRH Production
Neoplasm outside the HPA can secrete GHRH leading to GH stimulation.
What are the signs associated with Acromegaly?
- Raised prolactin in 1/3 cases
- Galactorrhea
- 6% of patients have MEN-1
What are the key investigations for diagnosing Acromegaly?
- Serum IGF-1 levels: raised in acromegaly
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) after a raised IGF-1
GH levels vary through the day and are not diagnostic.
What is the first line management for Acromegaly?
Trans-sphenoidal surgery
What medical treatments are used in Acromegaly?
- Dopamine agonists (Bromocriptine)
- Somatostatin analogue (Octreotide)
- Pegvisomant - GH receptor antagonist
What are potential complications of Acromegaly?
- Hypertension (due to mass effect)
- Diabetes (>10%)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Colorectal cancer
True or False: Ectopic GH Production is a common cause of Acromegaly.
False
Fill in the blank: The primary tumor type responsible for Acromegaly is a _______.
Pituitary Adenoma
What is the effect of excessive GH secretion post-puberty?
Enlarged extremities (hands, feet, face)
What is a common headache associated with Acromegaly?
Bitemporal hemianopia
