Acromegaly Flashcards
0
Q
Name the symptoms of Acromegaly
A
Hand and feet change size Change in appearance and teeth Visual change Snoring Sweating Carpel tunnel system
1
Q
What is Acromegaly and what gland is affected?
A
Too much growth hormone caused by problems in the pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland is found at the base of the skull near the hypothalamus and the optic chiasm.
2
Q
Name the signs of Acromegaly
A
Macroglossia - large tongue Prognathism - protruding jaw Increased inter-dental spacing Soft tissue enlargement Sleep apnoea Bitemporal hemianopia Diabetes
3
Q
How is Acromegaly diagnosed?
A
Abnormal response of GH levels to an oral glucose tolerance test. Usually GH levels are suppressed when glucose is taken.
Check visual field for signs of bitemporal hemianopia
MRI scan
Elevated IGF-1
4
Q
How do you treat Acromegaly?
A
Pituitary surgery is the best option
Dopamine agonist therapy
Somatostatin analogues
Pegvisomat
