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Acromegaly and hyperthyroidism associated with McCune-Albright syndrome
Hormone Research
|January 1, 1988
Summary
McCune-Albright syndrome can cause acromegaly and hyperthyroidism due to autonomous gland function. This case highlights autonomous functioning of endocrine glands in McCune-Albright syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- McCune-Albright syndrome is a rare genetic disorder.
- It can affect multiple endocrine glands, leading to various hormonal imbalances.
Observation:
- A 36-year-old male with McCune-Albright syndrome presented with acromegaly and hyperthyroidism.
- He had somatotroph hyperplasia and an adenomatous goiter.
- No sexual precocity was observed.
Findings:
- Elevated growth hormone (GH) and thyroid hormones with suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) indicated autonomous gland function.
- Thyroid imaging revealed a cold nodule and a hot area, consistent with autonomous activity.
- GH levels responded to hyperglycemia and GHRH-44(NH2) challenge, suggesting hyperplasia but not elevated GHRH.
Implications:
- The findings support the hypothesis that autonomous functioning of endocrine glands is the primary mechanism for endocrinopathies in McCune-Albright syndrome.
- Understanding this mechanism is crucial for managing patients with this complex disorder.
- Further research into GHRH's role in McCune-Albright syndrome-associated acromegaly is warranted.