Giantism and Acromegaly Flashcards
What hormone is elevated in both gigantism and acromegaly?
Growth hormone (GH)
What is the key difference between gigantism and acromegaly?
Gigantism occurs before growth plate fusion (childhood); acromegaly occurs after growth plate fusion (adulthood).
What gland produces growth hormone?
Anterior pituitary gland
What hypothalamic hormone stimulates growth hormone release?
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)
What hypothalamic hormone inhibits growth hormone release?
Somatostatin
What hormone does the liver produce in response to growth hormone?
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)
What are the typical causes of elevated GH leading to gigantism or acromegaly?
Pituitary adenoma, carcinoid tumors, and pancreatic islet cell tumors
Name one genetic condition associated with high GH levels.
McCune-Albright syndrome, MEN1, or Neurofibromatosis
What is the hallmark feature of gigantism?
Excessive height due to elongation of long bones
Name two key physical signs of acromegaly.
Enlarged hands/feet and coarsened facial features
What test is used to screen for both gigantism and acromegaly?
IGF-1 level (elevated in both conditions)
What dynamic test is used to confirm acromegaly?
Glucose suppression test (GH fails to suppress)
What imaging is used to identify pituitary adenomas?
MRI of the head
Name one medication used to treat acromegaly.
Octreotide (somatostatin analog) or cabergoline (dopamine agonist)
What is the first-line treatment for GH-secreting tumors?
Surgical excision of the tumor
