Acromegaly in Young

ABSTRACT

Acromegaly is a rare, slowly progressive disease caused by chronic hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH) and excess circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). The aetiology of acromegaly is almost invariably an underlying GH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Rarely, it is due to a hypothalamic tumour secreting GHRH or ectopic growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) secretion, or very rarely GH from an ectopic source¹. Acromegaly is rare with an estimated prevalence of 36–60 cases per million with an annual incidence of 3–4 per million.² We are here reporting a case of 21 yrs old female who presented with headache and amenorrhea since 1 year which on investigating patient had Acromegaly due to Pituitary Adenoma. Therapy for Acromegaly is targeted at decreasing GH and IGF-1 levels, ameliorating patients symptoms and decreasing any local compressive effects of the pituitary adenoma. The therapeutic options for acromegaly include surgery, medical therapies(dopamine agonists, somatostatin receptor agonists and the GH receptor antagonist) and radiotherapy. A multi disciplinary approach is recommended with often a requirement for combined treatment modalities. With disease control, associated morbidity and mortality can be reduced.

Keywords:  Acromegaly in Young, Pituitary Adenoma.