Acromegaly

Which hormone is produced in excess in patients with acromegaly?

Growth hormone

What is the initial investigation in suspected acromegaly?

Serum IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1)

How are serum IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) levels affected in acromegaly?

Elevated

Which visual field defect is typically seen in optic chiasm compression?

Bitemporal hemianopia – loss of lateral visual fields bilaterally

What is an important gastrointestinal complication of acromegaly?

Colorectal cancer

What effect can acromegaly have on blood pressure?

Raised i.e., hypertension

What is a pancreatic complication of acromegaly?

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

List 5 possible cardiac complication of acromegaly?

1) Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH)

2) Congestive cardiac failure

3) Cardiomyopathy

4) Ischaemic heart disease

5) Arrhythmias

How is serum glucose affected in acromegaly?

Elevated i.e., hyperglycaemia

How is serum calcium affected in acromegaly?

Elevated i.e., hypercalcaemia

How is serum phosphate affected in acromegaly?

Elevated i.e., hyperphosphataemia

What is often first-line treatment for acromegaly?

Trans-sphenoidal surgery

List 3 drugs which may be used in the treatment of acromegaly

1) Pegvisomant

2) Octreotide

3) Bromocriptine