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