Gigantism

Question 1

gigantism is mostly caused by tumors on anterior pituitary. they effect somatotrophs and cause an increase in ____.

Answer 1

GH- Growth hormone

Question 2

hypothalamus secretes GHRH and tells the pituitary/somatotrophs to secrete GH, which goes to the liver and causes the secretion of ____.

Answer 2

IGF-1

insulin like growth factor-1

Question 3

will someone with gigantism always have high levels of IGF-1?

Answer 3

YES

Question 4

describe the growth pattern in gigantism

Answer 4

high, linear growth

Question 5

Does gigantism occur in children or adults

Answer 5

in children, it has to occur before the growth plates have sealed

Question 6

GH can be inhibited by ____.

Answer 6

somatostatin

Question 7

MCC of gigantism

Answer 7

somatotroph tumor in pituitary gland

Question 8

effects of gigantism

Answer 8

tall, large hands/feet
mass effect: visual field effects, HA
hyperprolactinemia
peripheral neuropathy
cardiovascular disease
osteoarthritis

Question 9

Work up of gigantism

Answer 9

labs: increased GH levels and IGF-1 levels
MRI of brain
plain film x-ray: osteoarthritis
CT Abdomen/ chest/ pelvis- if tumor is not on pituitary

Question 10

gigantism treatment

Answer 10

transsphenoidal surgery