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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Acromegaly associated with gangliocytoma
R K Crowley1, Y Al-Derazi, K Lynch
1Academic Department of Endocrinology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland. rachelcrowley@hotmail.com
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|October 1, 2009
Summary
Acromegaly due to excess growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is rare. This study details two cases of acromegaly linked to GHRH-producing sellar gangliocytomas, highlighting treatment responses.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuro-oncology
- Pituitary Disorders
Background:
- Acromegaly, a condition caused by excess growth hormone, is rarely due to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) excess.
- Sellar gangliocytomas are rare tumors located in the pituitary region.
Observation:
- Two patients with acromegaly were diagnosed with sellar gangliocytomas.
- These tumors were found to be immunopositive for GHRH.
- Tumor tissue remained after surgery, with one patient experiencing persistent growth hormone hypersecretion.
Findings:
- The presence of GHRH-producing sellar gangliocytomas can lead to acromegaly.
- Somatostatin analogue therapy effectively suppressed growth hormone hypersecretion in one case.
Implications:
- This association sheds light on the pathogenesis of unusual pituitary tumors.
- Understanding the etiology of functional pituitary adenomas alongside sellar gangliocytomas is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
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