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Pituitary function and growth hormone dynamics in acromegaloidism
Journal of the National Medical Association
|December 1, 1978
Summary
Acromegaloidism mimics acromegaly but lacks pituitary dysfunction. Growth hormone (GH) levels and responses in these patients differ from acromegaly, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Acromegaloidism presents clinically similar to acromegaly.
- It is distinct from pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate growth hormone (GH) responses in patients with acromegaloidism.
- To differentiate acromegaloidism from acromegaly.
Main Methods:
- Studied 15 patients (11 women, 4 men) with acromegaloidism.
- Assessed GH levels during glucose tolerance tests, hypoglycemia, and L-dopa stimulation.
- Evaluated other pituitary hormones and performed metyrapone tests.
Main Results:
- Patients exhibited acromegaly-like symptoms, including acral enlargement and visual disturbances.
- Abnormal glucose tolerance tests (12/15), obesity (13/15), and hypertension (8/15) were common.
- GH levels showed distinct responses to stimuli, differentiating it from acromegaly.
Conclusions:
- GH dynamics in acromegaloidism differ from acromegaly.
- Further research, potentially involving somatomedin studies, is needed to determine the pathogenesis.