Acromegaly

Question 1

What is ‘acromegaly’?

Answer 1

1. a condition caused by benign pituitary adenoma of the somatotrophs
2. excess secretion of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1

Question 2

Describe the phsyiology of growth hormone?

Answer 2

1. somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary release growth hormone
2. GH acts on liver to synthesis and release IGF- 1

Question 3

How does IGF-1 act in the body?

Answer 3

1. proliferative effects on bone, cartilage, skeletal muscles
2. Hyperglycaemia - impaired glucose tolerance caused by binding to insulin receptors

Question 4

How does acromegaly affect soft tissues

Answer 4

1. Carpal tunnel syndrome
2. macroglossia + deeping of voice
3. hyperhidrosiis - excess sweating

Question 5

How does acromegaly affect skletal tissue?

Answer 5

1. coarsening of facial features - enlarged nose, forehead and jaw
2. widened hands and feet

Question 6

Name some medical complications caused by acromegaly?

Answer 6

1. cardiovascular disease - hypetension
   - cardiomyopathy
2. Diabetes mellitus
3. Increased risk of polyps and colorectal cancer

Question 7

How does acromegaly present in children?

Answer 7

Gigantism - caused increase in height aswell because the epiphyseal plates have not closed.