Acromegaly

Question 1

Definition of Acromegaly?

Answer 1

Hormonal disorder in adults which cause excess growth hormone

Question 2

what causes Acromegaly?

Answer 2

Pituitary adenoma which is benign and causes excess release of growth hormone.

can be caused by wermer syndrome ( this is rare)

Question 3

Symptoms of acromegaly ?

Answer 3

Growth of bones on hand and feet

protrusion of forehead

Soft tissue swelling

Increase size of organs

excess sweating

cause carpal tunnel syndrome

optic chiasm ( messed up vision due to tumour pressing on optic nerves)

diabetes mellitus

heart failure due to it being enlarged

GI cancer due to colon polyps

Sleep apnoea

Question 4

How to diagnose acromegaly?

Answer 4

Do a insulin growth factor test ( IGF -1 )

Check for increase levels of insulin and growth hormone

MRI pituitary gland to see tumour

Question 5

Treatment for Acromegaly?

Answer 5

If its pituitary adenoma = surgery or radiation therapy

Medication can be taken like somatostatin analogs which limit GH production