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Acromegaly: an endocrine pathology with serious consequences
Annales De Biologie Clinique
|July 7, 2022
Summary
This case highlights a rare endocrine disorder, acromegaly, with a significant 25-year diagnostic delay. Early consideration of acromegaly is crucial for timely intervention and management of its multisystemic effects.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Acromegaly, a rare endocrine disorder, results from excess growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), typically caused by pituitary adenomas.
- A significant diagnostic delay, averaging 10 years, is common due to the gradual onset and subtle symptoms.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old male presented with a 25-year history of undiagnosed acromegaly, characterized by typical features and recurrent urolithiasis.
- Biochemical tests confirmed elevated IGF-1 and unsuppressed GH levels post-glucose load.
- Imaging and histology identified a co-secreting GH/prolactin pituitary macroadenoma.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the pituitary adenoma did not achieve biochemical remission.
- The patient required treatment with a somatostatin receptor ligand for persistent disease.
Implications:
- This severe case underscores the importance of considering acromegaly even with atypical presentations and prolonged diagnostic delays.
- Raising awareness among clinicians can improve early diagnosis and management of this debilitating condition.
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