Acromegaly/Gigantism

Question 1

Pathomechanism of Acromegaly/Gigantism

Answer 1

High GH secretion, usually pituitary adenoma

Question 2

Symptoms of of Acromegaly/Gigantism

Answer 2

Protruding jaw, prominent eyebrow ridge, barrel chest large tongue, deep
voice, large hands and feet, coarse facial features, diaphoresis, impaired
glucose tolerance, hypertension.

Question 3

Complications of of Acromegaly/Gigantism

Answer 3

Cardiomegaly, degenerative arthritis, bitemporal hemianopsia

Question 4

Diagnosis of Acromegaly/Gigantism

Answer 4

Clinical feautres and MRI
Glucose supression test= GH is not reduced in response to elevated glucose levels

Question 5

Treatment of Acromegaly/Gigantism

Answer 5

Meds: octreotide (somatostatin analog), pegvisomant (growth hormone
antagonist), dopamine agonist (cabergoline).
Best if surgical tumor removal with a transphenoidal resection.