How is acromegaly diagnosed?
Doctors most often diagnose acromegaly by ordering two blood tests that help determine if your body is making too much GH. IGF test. Levels of GH in the blood can change throughout the day. A reliable way to track GH in the body is by measuring the level of IGF-I in the blood.
When is acromegaly diagnosed?
Acromegaly is a rare condition where the body produces too much growth hormone, causing body tissues and bones to grow more quickly. Over time, this leads to abnormally large hands and feet, and a wide range of other symptoms. Acromegaly is usually diagnosed in adults aged 30 to 50, but it can affect people of any age.
What should be measured in the blood samples to confirm a diagnosis of acromegaly?
After you’ve fasted overnight, your doctor will take a blood sample to measure the IGF-1 level in your blood. An elevated IGF-1 level suggests acromegaly. Growth hormone suppression test. This is the best method for confirming an acromegaly diagnosis.
How is acromegaly treated?
The goal of treatment is to restore the pituitary gland to normal function, producing normal levels of growth hormone. Treatment may include removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, and injection of growth hormone blocking drugs. Left untreated, acromegaly can lead to worsening diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
Is acromegaly painful?
People with acromegaly may suffer with headaches, aches and pains in their bones and joints, and increased sweating. People who have not seen them for some time may be aware of a change in their appearance and this can often be seen when looking at photographs over a number of years.
What is the most common cause of acromegaly?
In adults, a tumor is the most common cause of too much GH production: Pituitary tumors. Most acromegaly cases are caused by a noncancerous (benign) tumor (adenoma) of the pituitary gland. The tumor produces excessive amounts of growth hormone, causing many of the signs and symptoms of acromegaly.
Is acromegaly a chronic condition?
Acromegaly is a chronic metabolic disorder caused by the presence of too much growth hormone. It results in gradual enlargement of body tissues including the bones of the face, jaw, hands, feet, and skull. Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Acromegaly occurs in about 6 of every 100,000 adults.
What organs are affected by acromegaly?
Additional symptoms of acromegaly may include abnormal enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly), spleen (splenomegaly), intestines and/or kidneys. The thyroid (goiter) and/or the adrenal glands may also become abnormally enlarged.
Is acromegaly serious?
Untreated, high levels of growth hormone can affect other parts of the body, in addition to your bones. This can lead to serious — sometimes even life-threatening — health problems. But treatment can reduce your risk of complications and significantly improve your symptoms, including the enlargement of your features.
How are blood tests used to diagnose acromegaly?
Doctors who suspect acromegaly may order these tests to diagnose the condition: Blood tests: Growth hormone and IGF-I blood tests measure different types of growth hormone levels in your blood. If these levels are high, your doctor might order a glucose tolerance test to confirm an acromegaly diagnosis.
How often does acromegaly occur in middle age?
Acromegaly is a rare but serious medical condition that occurs when the body produces high levels of growth hormone. Acromegaly can occur at any age, but is often diagnosed in middle age. Acromegaly is rare, affecting around 1 in every 200,000 people.
Can a high IGF-1 level indicate acromegaly?
An elevated IGF-1 level may indicate acromegaly. Growth hormone levels and blood glucose levels are also connected. In someone without acromegaly, a higher blood glucose level usually causes the body to stop producing GH. Therefore, a doctor will purposely raise your blood glucose level using an OGTT and watch how your GH level responds.
How is growth hormone suppression test for acromegaly done?
Growth hormone suppression test. This is the definitive method for verifying acromegaly. In this test, your blood levels of GH are measured before and after you drink a preparation of sugar (glucose). Normally, glucose ingestion depresses levels of GH. If you have acromegaly, your GH level will tend to stay high. Imaging.