Acromegaly
Acromegaly — caused by excess growth hormone (GH) in an adult (after closure of epiphyseal plates).
What our notes say
- Acromegaly — caused by excess growth hormone (GH) in an adult (after closure of epiphyseal plates). (END YEAR PP1 & PP2 2025 Physiology: MCQs for Medical School Exams)
- In acromegaly, it is typically caused by a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma producing excess GH autonomously. (END YEAR PP1 & PP2 2025 Physiology: MCQs for Medical School Exams)
- The vast majority of acromegaly cases arise from a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma; ectopic GHRH (A) is a rare cause. (Chemical Pathology: Endocrine Cases, Pituitary & Thyroid Q&A)
- Acromegaly occurs when excess GH is present after epiphyseal closure. (ENDOCRINE PATHOLOGY)
- Secondary DM: Caused by other conditions (pancreatitis, hemochromatosis, Cushing syndrome, acromegaly) or drugs (steroids). (ENDOCRINE PATHOLOGY)
- Acromegaly is a rare hormonal disorder caused by an excess of growth hormone (GH), usually due to a benign pituitary tumor (pituitary adenoma). (MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY II ESsays)
Study material on Acromegaly
- Clinical Endocrinology Cases: Pituitary Tumour, PCOS, Type 1 Diabetes, and HHS
- Hypothalamic Hormones: Master Regulators of the Endocrine System
- END YEAR PP1 & PP2 2025 Physiology: MCQs for Medical School Exams
- Head & Neck Pathology MCQs: Oral, Ear, Throat & Gland Tumors
- ENDOCRINE PATHOLOGY
- Chemical Pathology MCQs
- Endocrine and Metabolic Pathology MCQs for Medical Students
Practice questions on Acromegaly
The best screening test for acromegaly is
- Random GH level
- IGF-1
- GH after glucose load
- MRI pituitary
Answer: B. IGF-1 is stable throughout the day (unlike pulsatile GH) and reflects integrated GH secretion, making it the best screening test. ---
Which hormone is most useful for diagnosing acromegaly?
- Cortisol
- Growth hormone
- IGF-1
- ACTH Correct
Answer: C. IGF-1 is more stable than GH and better reflects long-term GH secretion, making it the preferred screening test for acromegaly. ---
Acromegaly is best confirmed biochemically by
- Random GH measurement
- IGF-1 and failure of GH suppression during OGTT
- 24-hour urine GH
- Serum prolactin
Answer: B. IGF-1 is the screening test; failure to suppress GH below 1 ng/mL during OGTT confirms acromegaly. ---
Excess growth hormone after epiphyseal fusion causes acromegaly. Before fusion it causes
- Cushing's syndrome
- Dwarfism
- Gigantism
- Acromegaly with hypertension
Answer: C. Pre-fusion GH excess = gigantism. Post-fusion = acromegaly: enlarged hands/feet, prognathism, coarse features, organomegaly. IGF-1 is the best screening test. ---
The best screening test for acromegaly is ---
- Random GH level
- IGF-1
- GH after glucose load
- MRI pituitary
Answer: B.
Which of the following is a common clinical manifestation of Acromegaly?
- Short stature
- Enlargement of hands and feet
- Hypotension
- Hypoglycemia
- Thinning of the skin
Answer: A.