Acromegaly.
In the majority of cases, acromegaly is due to GH hypersecretion by a somatotroph pituitary tumor. The etiology of acromegaly is not known, and may be related to GHRH hypersecretion, intrinsic pituitary defect, or a combination thereof. Recent physiologic data and molecular biology techniques provide insights into the pathophysiology of this condition. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, and judicious administration of pharmacologic compounds inhibiting GH secretion and tumor growth.
Barkan
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Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0354, USA.