Question

What is the etiology behind Acromegaly?

Answer 1

Hypersecretion of growth hormone in adults after fuses of epiphyses results in acromegaly.

Acromegaly occurs due to tumor of the somatotroph of anterior pituitary.

1. Tumor is associated with proliferation of lactotroph also. Therefore, prolactin synthesis increased in 20-40% of patients.

2. Acromegaly can also occur due to extra- pituitary causes like increased hypothalamic secretion of GRH( IN HYPOTHALAMIC TUMOR).

Therefore, enlargement of acral parts of the body especially hands and feet, protrusion of lower jaw, etc.