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Articles in pituitary gland disorders: acromegaly hypopituitarism hyperprolactinaemia gigantism empty sella syndrome prolactinoma galactorrhea pituitary tumors

How is acromegaly diagnosed?

Diagnosis of acromegaly begins with a medical history and physical exam. It may take years after the first symptoms appear to diagnose acromegaly. This is because the changes occur so slowly. A blood test to measure the levels of human growth
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hormones, called HGH, is helpful in diagnosis. Many people with acromegaly develop high blood glucose levels, so this sign may prompt a doctor to investigate further.

A blood test can measure the level of growth hormone. But, a single test is not reliable. The diagnosis of acromegaly is made by a glucose tolerance test. In this test you drink a sugar drink containing 75 gram glucose. You then have a series of blood tests over two hours. The glucose should lower the blood level of growth hormone, but in acromegaly the growth hormone level remains high. A blood test to measure the level of IGF-I (see above) may be measured if acromegaly is suspected. This may also be used as an index of disease activity to assess how well treatment is working. An MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging scan) or CT scan (computed tomography scan) can show the size of the tumour. Eye and visual tests will assess if the tumour is pressing on the optic nerve. If you are confirmed as having acromegaly, other tests will be needed to see if the tumour is causing a lack other hormones made by the pituitary.

 

More information on acromegaly

What is acromegaly? - Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder that results when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone (hGH).
What causes acromegaly? - Acromegaly is caused by prolonged overproduction of GH by the pituitary gland, the overproduction of GH is caused by adenoma.
What are the symptoms of acromegaly? - The most common signs of acromegaly are enlarged hands and feet. Acromegaly may cause gradual changes.
How is acromegaly diagnosed? - Diagnosis of acromegaly begins with a medical history and physical exam. A blood test can measure the level of growth hormone.
What's the treatment for acromegaly? - The goals of treatment for acromegaly are to reduce GH production to normal levels. Surgery is a rapid and effective treatment. 
Endocrine disorders Mainpage

Topics in endocrine disorders

Adrenal insufficiency
Addison's disease
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Conn's syndrome
Cushing's syndrome
Nelson's syndrome
Pheochromocytoma
Bartter's syndrome
Neuroblastoma
Adrenocortical carcinoma
Hypoglycemia
Insulinoma
Rickets
Osteomalacia
Hyperparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism
Pituitary gland disorders
Thyroid gland disorders

All information is intended for reference only. Please consult your physician for accurate medical advices and treatment. Copyright 2005, health-cares.net, all rights reserved. Last update: July 18, 2005