Acromegaly 2B Flashcards
What is acromegaly
a clinical manifestation of excessive growth hormone
Where is growth hormone secreted
anterior pituitary gland
What is the most common cause of acromegaly
a pituitary adenoma
What are other causes of acromegaly
a cancer in the lungs or pancreas which results in ectopic release of GH or GHRH
Soft tissue overgrowth classically seen in acromegaly present where
in the hands, feet and face (forehead and jaw)
Typically the space occupying lesion of acromegaly presents where
in the optic chiasm before the occipital lobe
A significant pituitary adenoma in the optic chasm causes what?
bitemporal hemianopia
What is bitemporal hemianopia
a loss of vision on the outer half (temples)
What are the example of pathologies and organ dysfunction caused by acromegaly
cardiomyopathy / LVF, HTN, T2DM and colorectal cancer
What investigations can be done in acromegaly
Oral glucose tolerance test (where glucose fails to sufficiently suppress GH), increase in GH & IGF1
What is the definitive management of acromegaly
surgical (trans-sphenoidal excision surgery)
What are the medical managements available for acromegaly
GH antagonist e.g. pegvisomant, somatostatin analogue e.g. ocreotide, dopamine agonist e.g. cabergoline
