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[Ectopic acromegaly due to a bronchial carcinoid]
J Rojo Álvaro1, J J Pineda Arribas, E Anda Apiñániz
1Servicio de Endocrinología, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, 31008, Spain. jorgerojo23@hotmail.com.
Anales Del Sistema Sanitario De Navarra
|January 11, 2014
Summary
This case study details a rare instance of ectopic acromegaly caused by growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) secretion. Surgical resection was the chosen treatment, offering valuable diagnostic and therapeutic insights.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Ectopic acromegaly results from tumors secreting growth hormone (GH) or growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH).
- Cases of ectopic acromegaly due to GHRH secretion are rare, with only one hundred documented instances.
Observation:
- A patient presented with acromegaloid physical features developing over years and symptoms suggesting a bronchial origin.
- Biochemical and imaging studies confirmed acromegaly but ruled out a pituitary source.
Findings:
- Screening identified a bronchial neuroendocrine tumor as the cause of GHRH hypersecretion.
- The patient underwent successful surgical resection of the tumor.
Implications:
- This case contributes valuable diagnostic and therapeutic experience for managing rare ectopic acromegaly.
- Highlights the importance of investigating non-pituitary sources for acromegaly, particularly bronchial neuroendocrine tumors.
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