GH Flashcards
1
Q
What is gigantism?
A
Disorder in children causing excessive growth due to excessive GH release
2
Q
What is acromegaly?
A
Excessive levels of GH in adults causing growth of bones in the face, hands and feet
3
Q
What is pituitary dwarfism?
A
Low levels of GH in children causing growth impairment
4
Q
How does acromegaly present as a SOL?
A
o Headaches
o Bitemporal hemianopsia
5
Q
How does acromegaly present with overgrowth of tissues?
A
o Prominent forehead = frontal bossing o Large nose, hands and feet o Large tongue = macroglossia o Protruding jaw = prognathism o Arthritis
6
Q
How does acromegaly present with organ dysfunction?
A
o Hypertrophic heart
o HTN
o T2DM
o Colorectal cancer
7
Q
What investigations diagnose acromegaly?
A
• IGF-1 o Raised • OGTT whilst measuring GH o High glucose normally suppresses GH • MRI brain o Pituitary tumour • Visual field testing
8
Q
How do you treat acromegaly?
A
Surgery
Pharmacological
- Pegvisomant
- Somatostatin (GHIH) analogues
- Dopamine agonists
