Cause Of Acromegaly Research Articles

Variable anatomical features of acromegaly in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: implications for endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery.

Growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are the most common cause of acromegaly. The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EEA) is commonly employed to remove them. Although morphological differences in the nasal cavity exist between acromegaly patients and those with other types of PitNET, few quantitative studies have been performed. This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical features of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses in patients with acromegaly. Preoperative computed tomography images of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses were compared between 20 patients with a GH-secreting PitNET (acromegaly group) and 22 with a non-functioning PitNET (control group). In the acromegaly group, the relationships between preoperative GH and/or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels and anatomical characteristics were assessed. In the acromegaly group, the distance between the nostril and dorsum sellae was significantly longer and the distance between the parasellar internal carotid arteries was significantly shorter (p = 0.0022 and 0.0092, respectively). Pneumatization volume in the nasal cavity did not differ between the groups. Nasal mucosa and bony hypertrophy were observed in the acromegaly group. Preoperative GH level was correlated with the width of the piriform aperture (p = 0.0171). The nasal and paranasal changes associated with acromegaly can make EEA challenging to perform. Widening the surgical corridor anterior to the sphenoid sinus is important in these patients.

Ectopic acromegaly due to bronchial neuroendocrine tumors: the first description in Russia of three clinical cases

Acromegaly is a neuroendocrine disorder caused by excessive production of growth hormone (GH). In the majority of cases the cause of acromegaly is a pituitary tumor producing GH. Cases of ectopic acromegaly are much rarer. Ectopic acromegaly occurs in cases of tumors which produce growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) or extrapituitary tumors which produce GH. The main sources of excessive GHRH production are neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the lung or pancreas. Treatment of ectopic acromegaly consists of surgical removal of the source of GHRH hyperproduction and in cases where surgery is not an option, somatostatin analogues, pegvisomant, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy are used.In this article three cases of ectopic acromegaly due to GHRH-producing lung NETs are presented, each of them being notable for a number of features. In the first two cases, clinical symptoms were mild, besides in the second case ectopic acromegaly was accompanied by primary hyperparathyroidism. In the third case ectopic acromegaly was accompanied by pituitary macroadenoma, and after surgical removal of the lung NET remission of acromegaly was not achieved. In all three cases, lung NETs were detected incidentally on radiologic chest screening for other conditions.

DNA Methylation Pattern in Somatotroph Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors

Introduction: Growth hormone secretion by sporadic somatotroph neuroendocrine pituitary tumors (PitNETs) is a major cause of acromegaly. These tumors are relatively heterogenous in terms of histopathological and molecular features. Our previous transcriptomic profiling of somatotroph tumors revealed three distinct molecular subtypes. This study aimed to investigate the difference in DNA methylation patterns in subtypes of somatotroph PitNETs and its role in distinctive gene expression. Methods: Genome-wide DNA methylation was investigated in 48 somatotroph PitNETs with EPIC microarrays. Gene expression was assessed with RNAseq. Bisulfite pyrosequencing and qRT-PCR were used for verifying the results of DNA methylation and gene expression. Results: Clustering tumor samples based on methylation data reflected the transcriptome-related classification. Subtype 1 tumors are densely granulated without GNAS mutation, characterized by high expression of NR5A1 (SF-1) and GIPR. The expression of both genes is correlated with specific methylation of the gene body and promoter. This subtype has a lower methylation level of 5′ gene regions and CpG islands than the remaining tumors. Subtype 2 PitNETs are densely granulated and frequently GNAS-mutated, while those in subtype 3 are mainly sparsely granulated. Methylation/expression analysis indicates that ∼50% genes located in differentially methylated regions are those differentially expressed between tumor subtypes. Correlation analysis revealed DNA methylation-controlled genes, including CDKN1B, CCND2, EBF3, CDH4, CDH12, MGMT, STAT5A, PLXND1, PTPRE, and MMP16, and genes encoding ion channels and semaphorins. Conclusion: DNA methylation profiling confirmed the existence of three molecular subtypes of somatotroph PitNETs. High expression of NR5A1 and GIPR in subtype 1 tumors is correlated with specific methylation of both genes.

PMON104 Sellar Gangliocytoma-Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumor (PitNET) Presenting As Acromegaly

Abstract Growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNET) arising from somatotrophs is the most common cause of acromegaly. It may rarely develop in the setting of a growth hormone-secreting PitNET associated with a neuronal tumor composed of neoplastic ganglion cells, the so-called mixed gangliocytoma somatotroph PitNET. We present a case of acromegaly which proved to be due to a mixed gangliocytoma somatotroph PitNET on pathology.A 58-year-old, healthy woman presented to the ER with a 3-day history of left-sided vision loss and worsening headache. MRI revealed 4.5×4.2×3.8 cm heterogeneously enhancing bilobed mass consistent with a pituitary PitNET with suprasellar extension causing compression of the optic chiasm, invasion into the left cavernous sinus and partial encasement of the left internal carotid artery. She had coarse facial features, wide feet, multiple skin tags, and a history of multiple colonic polyps. Biochemical work up revealed an IGF-I of 664 ng/ml (50-317), AM cortisol 19.7 mg/dl, ACTH 30 pg/ml, prolactin 15.5 ng/ml, FSH 35.6 mIU/ml, LH 11.3 mIU/ml, and FT4 0.7 ng/dl (0.70-1.48). She underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of the tumor. Histopathology demonstrated mature ganglion cells with neuropil-like areas, intermixed with small cell components. The neuronal population was immunopositive for NeuN (Neuronal nuclei antibody), synaptophysin, and NF (Neurofilament). PitNET cells were positive for GH, prolactin, Pit- 1 transcription factor and the somatostatin 5 receptor, histological features consistent with mixed gangliocytoma and sparsely granulated somatotroph pitNET. Some ganglion cells also showed weak immunostaining with Pit-1. A 3-month follow-up MRI showed a residual 3 cm lesion. IGF-I improved but was still elevated at 456 ng/ml associated with a GH 2.9 ng/ml. Medical treatment with pasireotide was recommended, but the patient temporarily declined further treatment to explore other options with her Naturopath.Gangliocytomas are a rare, benign, slow-growing, differentiated form of neuroblastic tumors of sympathetic nerve fibers, largely extracranial and rarely present in the sellar region, most frequently in association with a PitNET, forming the so-called mixed gangliocytoma PitNET. Definitive diagnosis is established by histological and immunohistochemical studies. Though PitNET components of mixed gangliocytoma PitNET are known to frequently secrete an excess hormone, the ganglionic components also show immunoreactivity for hypothalamic releasing hormones along with other neuroendocrine markers. The histological origin of these mixed tumors is controversial, but the small population of ganglionic cells that express the acidophilic lineage transcription factor, Pit-1, favors the theory of transdedifferentiation of neuroendocrine cells into neuronal elements. Treatment of mixed gangliocytoma- PitNET is similar to other PitNETs and the presence of neural components does not modify aggressiveness or risk of recurrence after surgical resection, as gangliocytomas have a low proliferative index. Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The Integrated Stress Response Is Tumorigenic and Constitutes a Therapeutic Liability in Somatotroph Adenomas.

Somatotroph adenomas are the leading cause of acromegaly, with the nearly sparsely granulated somatotroph subtype belonging to high-risk adenomas, and they are less responsive to medical treatment. The integrated stress response (ISR) is an essential stress-support pathway increasingly recognized as a determinant of tumorigenesis. In this study, we identified the characteristic profiling of the integrated stress response in translocation and translation initiation factor activity in somatotroph adenomas, normal pituitary, or other adenoma subtypes through proteomics. Immunohistochemistry exhibited the differential significance and the priority of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2β (EIF2β) in somatotroph adenomas compared with gonadotroph and corticotroph adenomas. Differentially expressed genes based on the level of EIF2β in somatotroph adenomas were revealed. MetaSape pathways showed that EIF2β was involved in regulating growth and cell activation, immune system, and extracellular matrix organization processes. The correlation analysis showed Spearman correlation coefficients of r = 0.611 (p < 0.001) for EIF2β and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 1 (HRI), r = 0.765 (p < 0.001) for eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 2 (PKR), r = 0.813 (p < 0.001) for eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3 (PERK), r = 0.728 (p < 0.001) for GCN2, and r = 0.732 (p < 0.001) for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Furthermore, the invasive potential in patients with a high EIF2β was greater than that in patients with a low EIF2β (7/10 vs. 4/18, p = 0.038), with a lower immune-cell infiltration probability (p < 0.05). The ESTIMATE algorithm showed that the levels of activation of the EIF2 pathway were negatively correlated with the immune score in somatotroph adenomas (p < 0.001). In in vitro experiments, the knockdown of EIF2β changed the phenotype of somatotroph adenomas, including cell proliferation, migration, and the secretion ability of growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1. In this study, we demonstrate that the ISR is pivotal in somatotroph adenomas and provide a rationale for implementing ISR-based regimens in future treatment strategies.

Unusual cause of acromegaly in a young patient

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Acromegaly with empty sella syndrome.

SummaryAcromegaly is a rare, chronic progressive disorder with characteristic clinical features caused by persistent hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH), mostly from a pituitary adenoma (95%). Occasionally, ectopic production of GH or growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with resultant GH hypersecretion may lead to acromegaly. Sometimes localizing the source of GH hypersecretion may prove difficult. Rarely, acromegaly has been found in patients with an empty sella (ES) secondary to prior pituitary radiation and/or surgery. However, acromegaly in patients with primary empty sella (PES) is exceeding rarely and has only been described in a few cases. We describe a 47-year-old male who presented with overt features of acromegaly (macroglossia, prognathism, increased hand and feet size). Biochemically, both the serum GH (21.6 μg/L) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (635 μg/L) were elevated. In addition, there was a paradoxical elevation of GH following a 75 g oral glucose load. Pituitary MRI demonstrated an ES. In order to exclude an ectopic source of GH hypersecretion, further biochemical tests and imaging were done, which were unremarkable. Notably, increased uptake in the sella turcica on the 68Gallium DOTATATE PET/CT confirmed the ES as the likely source of GH secretion. As no overt lesion was noted, medical treatment (octreotide acetate) was initiated with a good clinical and biochemical response. At his 3 month follow-up, he reported an improvement in symptoms (fatigue and headache), however he still complained of low libido. Due to a persistently low testosterone level at follow-up, a long-acting testosterone was initiated. His GH level normalised, and IGF-1 has significantly reduced.Learning pointsThe commonest cause of acromegaly is due to GH hypersecretion from pituitary adenomas (95%).Acromegaly has rarely been found in patients with ES.It is important to exclude a past history suggestive of pituitary apoplexy.Extra-pituitary source of GH such as ectopic production of GHRH with resultant GH hypersecretion needs to be excluded.In such cases, since there is no resectable mass, medical therapy is the primary treatment option.

Pituitary adenoma or pituitary neuroendocrine tumor: a narrative review of controversy and perspective.

In 1932, Harvey Cushing first proposed pituitary adenoma (PA) as the term for the cause of acromegaly. After nearly 90 years of research, PA is recognized as the second most common intracranial neoplasm. Most PAs can be easily cured or controlled by conventional therapies, including surgery, medical treatment or radiotherapy. However, nearly 40% of PAs are invasive, and some adenomas show aggressive behavior, with rapid growth patterns and resistance to conventional treatments, which leads to a poor prognosis; this type of adenoma is called aggressive or refractory PA. For a very small proportion of PAs (approximately 0.2%), subarachnoid or systemic metastasis may develop, at which point it is considered malignant and called pituitary carcinoma. Based on distinctions regarding the biological behaviors of adenoma, aggressive adenoma and pituitary carcinoma, the International Pituitary Pathology Club in 2016 formally proposed new terminology for PA: pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET). Over the last three years, an increasing number of relevant articles have used the term PitNET in place of PA. Interestingly, the fourth edition of the WHO classification of PA released in 2017 did not adopt this nomenclature, and the Pituitary Society published a paper in 2019 suggesting that the new nomenclature does not improve clinical diagnosis or treatment and confuses patients more than the PA terminology. The Pituitary Society insists on using the term PA, as PAs with aggressive behavior only account for a very small proportion of all PAs. Overall, the new terminology may cause significant and unnecessary patient anxiety and confusion. Here, we describe the current perspectives and bases of the two naming methods and offer our opinions on maintaining the original naming system for PA. Nevertheless, early diagnosis and intensive treatment of aggressive PAs is extremely important for improving patient prognosis, regardless of the nomenclature.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in the Resistance to Somatostatin Receptor Ligands in Acromegaly.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic process by which epithelial cells loss their phenotype and acquire mesenchymal traits, including increased migratory and invasive capacities. EMT is involved in physiological processes, such as embryogenesis and wound healing, and in pathological processes such as cancer, playing a pivotal role in tumor progression and metastasis. Pituitary tumors, although typically benign, can be locally invasive. Different studies have shown the association of EMT with increased tumor size and invasion in pituitary tumors, and in particular with a poor response to Somatostatin Receptor Ligands (SRLs) treatment in GH-producing pituitary tumors, the main cause of acromegaly. This review will summarize the current knowledge regarding EMT and SRLs resistance in acromegaly and, based on this relation, will suggest new biomarkers and possible therapies to SRLs resistant tumors.

CDKN2A (p16INK4A) affects the anti‑tumor effect of CDK inhibitor in somatotroph adenomas

The altered cell cycle is associated with aberrant growth factor signaling in somatotroph adenoma, which is the primary cause of acromegaly. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pathological role of the INK4 family and evaluate the effectiveness of CDK4 inhibitor, palbociclib, in somatotroph adenoma. RNA-Seq, RT-PCR, and immunohisto-chemistry were applied to measure the levels and correlations of the INK4 family with angiogenesis, CDKs, EMT, and therapeutic targets. MTS, flow cytometry, and ELISA were used to investigate the bio-activity in GH3 and GT1-1 cell lines after palbociclib treatment. Compared with lactotroph adenoma, gonadotroph adenoma, and corticotroph adenoma, somatotroph samples demonstrated higher expression of CDKN2Aand SSTR2 but a lower expression of EGFR, CDK4, and CDH2 (P<0.05). CDKN2A positively correlates with SSTR2, and negatively with CDK4, EGFR, and CDH2. Patients with lower CDKN2A had larger tumor size (P=0.016) and more invasive potential (P=0.023). Palbociclib inhibited cell proliferation, induced G1 phase arrest, reduced GH/IGF-1 secretion of GH3 and GT1-1 cell lines (P<0.05), and had a more prominent role in GH3 cells (P<0.05). CDKN2A inhibited the bio-activity by modulating CDK4, and high CDKN2A predicted the insensitivity to CDK4 inhibitor, palbociclib, in somatotroph adenoma patients. In summary, the present study shows CDKN2A inhibited the bio-activity by modulating CDK4, and high CDKN2A predicts the insensitivity to CDK4 inhibitor, Palbociclib, in somatotroph adenoma patients.

SUN-930 A Case of Acromegaly Secondary to Ectopic Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) Secretion from a Bronchial Neuroendocrine Tumour

A Case of Acromegaly Secondary to Ectopic Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) Secretion from a Bronchial Neuroendocrine TumourBackgroundAcromegaly due to ectopic GHRH secretion is a rare disorder and only accounts for less than 1% of all cases of acromegaly.CaseWe present the case of a 42-year old female with acromegaly from a bronchial neuroendocrine tumour (NET) secreting GHRH. The patient presented with gradual onset of dyspnea and wheezing. Subsequent imaging (chest X-ray, CT chest) revealed a large left-sided thoracic mass. Bronchoscopy was performed and a biopsy was taken from the mass. Initial histological examination reported small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). Therefore, she underwent chemoradiotherapy. The patient was concurrently experiencing increased digital girth, weight gain, and enlarged tongue and was therefore referred to our endocrinology clinic for evaluation of acromegaly. Investigations revealed normal ACTH, markedly elevated IGF-1 (1031 μg/L, normal 63–215 μg/L), and non-suppressed GH levels following a 75g oral glucose tolerance test. The remainder of the pituitary panel, including TSH, prolactin, FSH, LH were all normal. An MRI sella showed a completely normal pituitary and pineal gland with no evidence of brain metastasis. She thus met clinical and biochemical criteria for acromegaly but a pituitary source could not be identified. Given her history, a paraneoplastic process or ectopic GHRH-producing tumour was suspected. Further workup showed a significantly elevated circulating GHRH levels of 73 pg/mL (normal 5 – 18 pg/mL). Subsequently, a second pathologist with expertise in NETs reviewed the same biopsy specimen. The specimen was found to be a GHRH-producing well differentiated pulmonary NET with a Ki67 index of 1.5%, and thus not a SCLC. Furthermore, a somatostatin receptor scintigraphy study was done which showed evidence of a somatostatin avid receptor rich lesion in the lung, corresponding to the known tumour. Thus, what initially appeared to be a SCLC was subsequently found to be a GHRH-secreting NET, illustrating the challenges of diagnosing these rare tumours. She was treated with intramuscular sandostatin 20mg q28days and then underwent a left pneumonectomy, resulting in biochemical resolution of her acromegaly (IGF-1 219 μg/L). Genetic testing for MEN1 was also completed as there is an association between ectopic GHRH NETs and MEN-1; however, genetic testing revealed no pathogenic variants and exon deletions or duplications suggestive of MEN-1.Learning pointsDiagnosis of acromegaly due to ectopic GHRH secretion requires high clinical suspicion by the treating clinicians (e.g., endocrinologist, oncologist) as well as review of histology by expert pathologists. Our case highlights that ectopic GHRH secretion is a rare but important cause of acromegaly, which should always be suspected when a clear pituitary cause is not identified.

The absence of PRDM2 involved the tumorigenesis of somatotroph adenomas through regulating c-Myc

Somatotroph adenoma is the main cause of acromegaly which have peripheral signs with growth of soft tissues and multiple comorbidities. Surgery and adjuvant therapy with somatostatin analogs (SSA) fail in more than 25% of patients. PRDM2, a tumor suppressor, plays an important role in cancer and obesity, including pituitary adenomas. In this study, we analyze the correlation of PRDM2 and oncogene c-Myc in 70 somatotroph adenomas according immunohistochemical staining, furthermore, we probed that whether PRDM2 participates in c-Myc signaling pathway in vitro experiment. 70 somatotroph adenomas patients were divided into low patients and high patients according to median of H-score of PRDM2 or c-Myc. Low PRDM2 patients had higher risk of invasive behavior, larger tumor volume and recurrence chance than high PRDM2 group (P = 0.015, P = 0.031, P = 0.017). High c-Myc patients had higher risk of invasive behavior, larger tumor volume and recurrence chance than low c-Myc group (P = 0.012, P = 0.002, P = 0.015). It was a negative correlation between H-score of PRDM2 and c-Myc (PRDM2 = −0.163 × c-Myc + 67.11, r = −0.407). The ability of cell proliferation was declined in a time dependent manner after overexpression of PRDM2 (PRDM2 group) compared to that in control GH3 cells (P < 0.05). Through flow cytometry assay, PRDM2 could induce the apoptosis and G2/M arrest in GH3 cell (both p < 0.05). Transwell experiment proved less trans-membrane cells in PRDM2 group than those in control group (415 ± 76 vs 145 ± 37, P < 0.01). RT-PCR and western blot both proved PRDM2 could inhibit the level c-Myc and elevate the levels of CDKN1A and CDKN1B. Combined with c-Myc inhibitor 10058-F4, PRDM2 further inhibited cell proliferation and induced more apoptosis in GH3 cell. Taken together, we found that PRDM2 negatively regulated the expression of c-Myc in somatotroph adenomas, and testified the synergism between PRDM2 gene therapy and c-Myc inhibitor in vitro experiment.

Heat Intolerance and Hyperhidrosis as the only Presenting Manifestations of Acromegaly: A Case Report

Acromegaly is a state of Growth Hormone (GH) excess characterised by coarse facial features, acral enlargement, hyperhidrosis, headache, visual disturbances and visceromegaly. The most common cause of acromegaly is pituitary adenoma. The average delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis is about six years in acromegaly owing to its subtle clinical features at the disease onset.Early diagnosis is important to reduce the morbidities and mortality associated with acromegaly. Familiarisation of physicians with the signs and symptoms of the disease is an effective strategy for the early diagnosis of acromegaly. Here, the authors report a case of 38year-old female patient. After proper clinical examination, history and series of relevant investigations, the serum GH level was estimated and was found to be elevated (40 ng/mL). GH secreting pituitary macroadenoma presenting with heat intolerance and hyperhidrosis without the classical manifestations of acromegaly.

The Clinicopathological Spectrum of Acromegaly.

Background: Acromegaly results from a persistent excess in growth hormone with clinical features that may be subtle or severe. The most common cause of acromegaly is a pituitary tumor that causes excessive production of growth hormone (GH), and rare cases are due to an excess of the GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) or the ectopic production of GH. Objective: Discuss the different diseases that present with manifestations of GH excess and clinical acromegaly, emphasizing the distinct clinical and radiological characteristics of the different pathological entities. Methods: We performed a narrative review of the published clinicopathological information about acromegaly. An English-language search for relevant studies was conducted on PubMed from inception to 1 August 2019. The reference lists of relevant studies were also reviewed. Results: Pituitary tumors that cause GH excess have several variants, including pure somatotroph tumors that can be densely or sparsely granulated, or plurihormonal tumors that include mammosomatotroph, mixed somatotroph-lactotroph tumors and mature plurihomonal Pit1-lineage tumors, acidophil stem cell tumors and poorly-differentiated Pit1-lineage tumors. Each tumor type has a distinct pathophysiology, resulting in variations in clinical manifestations, imaging and responses to therapies. Conclusion: Detailed clinicopathological information will be useful in the era of precision medicine, in which physicians tailor the correct treatment modality to each patient.

SAT-469 Empty Sella Making Big Changes: A Case of Acromegaly and Empty Sella Syndrome

Acromegaly is a condition defined by excess growth hormone (GH). The clinical features of acromegaly including overgrowth of many tissues including cartilage, bone, skin and visceral organs. It often times presents with coarsening of facial features and increased hat or ring size. Cardiovascular disease including hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy and metabolic deficiencies including insulin resistance are also commonly seen as a result of the GH excess. The most common cause of acromegaly has been found to be GH secreting pituitary adenomas. MRI is generally sufficient to identify these lesions, but rarely a patient with symptoms of acromegaly will be found to have empty sella syndrome. Case: A 37 year old male, with a PMH of uncontrolled HTN presented to the emergency department after his wife found him on the floor, unconscious, foaming at the mouth, and shaking. He had an episode of urinary incontinence and was postictal for 20-30 minutes after the episode. In ED, he was hypertensive at 246/162, CT head showed right frontal intraparenchymal 1.2 cm hemorrhage and MRI brain showed various foci of hyperintensity compatible with hypertensive encephalopathy. He was also hypokalemic (2.9) with evidence of an AKI (BUN 27, Cr 1.73). He was admitted for further evaluation of suspected seizure. Upon further evaluation, the patient admitted to coarsening of facial features as noted on comparison of prior photographs. He also reported difficulties with his wedding ring fitting which he attributed to hand swelling. ROS was other negative with no vision changes or headaches. This sparked concern for a secondary cause of hypertension in the setting of clinical acromegaly. MRI brain was complicated by movement but revealed pituitary characteristics of empty sella syndrome. Insulin like growth factor 1 - 745. ECHO showed severe concentric left ventricular hypertrophy with aortic valve sclerosis and left atrial dilation. Renal Artery ultrasound showed no evidence of renal artery stenosis. The patient was subsequently scheduled for repeat MRI brain pituitary as outpatient under anesthesia to evaluate for possible surgical treatment for acromegaly. Discussion: This case demonstrates that empty sella syndrome does not warrant exclusion of acromegaly. GH secreting tumors can be present despite empty sella syndrome and acromegaly can even cause enlargement of the sella (?) . In these cases, the pituitary tissue lining the sella can be the source of excess GH. Upon case review, the mechanism remains unclear but empty sella syndrome may result from necrosis by infarction or from hemorrhage. Since no resectable mass is present in these cases, medical management with somatostatin analogues remains the only treatment that can be offered to these patients. It is important to keep acromegaly on the differential despite empty sella.

Benzene affects the response to octreotide treatment of growth hormone secreting pituitary adenoma cells

Growth hormone (GH) secreting pituitary adenomas are the main cause of acromegaly. Somatostatin analogs are the gold standard of medical therapy; however, resistance represents a big drawback in acromegaly management. We recently demonstrated that benzene (BZ) modifies the aggressiveness of GH-secreting rat pituitary adenoma cells (GH3), increasing GH secretion and altering the synthesis of molecules involved in the somatostatin signaling pathway. Based on these pieces of evidence, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of BZ on octreotide (OCT) efficacy in GH-secreting adenoma cells. In GH3 cells, BZ counteracted the anti-proliferative action of OCT. GH gene expression, unmodified by OCT, remained high in BZ-treated cells as well as after treatment with the association of both. GH secretion, reduced by OCT, was increased after treatment with BZ alone or when the pollutant was used with OCT. The combination of BZ and OCT greatly reduced the gene expression of ZAC1 and SSTR2; and this reduction was also present at a protein level. BZ caused an increase in the protein level of the transcription factor STAT3 and in its phosphorylated form. In the presence of BZ, OCT lost the ability to reduce the phosphorylated protein levels. Finally, in primary cultures of human pituitary adenoma cells, BZ caused an increase in GH secretion. OCT decreased GH secretion, but the addition of BZ reversed the OCT effect. In conclusion, our results suggest that BZ may have an important role in the resistance of pituitary adenomas to the pharmacological treatment with somatostatin analogs.

Insulin resistance and pseudoacromegaly: A case report

Patients with acromegaly have soft tissue overgrowth that induced characteristic clinical presentation. A growth hormone-secreting adenoma of the anterior pituitary gland is the most common cause of acromegaly. Metabolic and somatic features of acromegaly caused by high serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and excess growth hormone (GH) production. we present a case of ‘pseudoacromegaly’ with an acromegaloid features, suppressed IGF-I levels and marked elevation of serum insulin. Endocrinologists should consider this diagnosis when assessing patients with clinical features of acromegaly and insulin resistance, in the absence of elevated levels of GH and IGF-I.

Acromegaly and comorbid conditions. New possibilities of diagnosis and treatment (literature review)

Based on the data published in Russian and foreign reference sources, an analysis of clinical-hormonal peculiarities, modern methods of treatment of acromegaly combined with polyendocrinopathies (diabetes mellitus, diffuse and nodular goiter, hypocorticoidism) and cardiovascular diseases was conducted. According to different authors, a decline in the quality and duration of life of patients is associated with significant changes in the endocrine system caused by contrainsular and stimulating effect of somatotropic hormone (STH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) on organs and tissues. Secondary diabetes mellitus was identified in 16-46% of patients, nodular goiter in 30-70%, secondary adrenal insufficiency in 11-20% of patients. The most common cause of acromegaly is an active pituitary tumor – somatotropinoma, rarely STH is overproduced by neuroendocrine cells, located endo- and extracranially. Recent achievements in neuroendocrinology provided significant improvement of management of patients. The aim of treatment for acromegaly is to achieve clinical and biochemical remission of the disease. At present three basic methods of treatment for acromegaly are used: surgical (endonasal transsphenoidal adenomectomy), drug therapy, radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery (cyber knife). Differential and combined use of modern medical drugs in the form of monotherapy and in a combination with surgical and radiation treatment permits to achieve both clinical and hormonal remission of acromegaly improving in this way the quality and duration of life of patients. In the given review of literature modern concepts of etiology, pathogenesis, clinical peculiarities, modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of this disease are presented.

Acromegaly and comorbid conditions. New possibilities of diagnosis and treatment (literature review)

Based on the data published in Russian and foreign reference sources, an analysis of clinical-hormonal peculiarities, modern methods of treatment of acromegaly combined with polyendocrinopathies (diabetes mellitus, diffuse and nodular goiter, hypocorticoidism) and cardiovascular diseases was conducted. According to different authors, a decline in the quality and duration of life of patients is associated with significant changes in the endocrine system caused by contrainsular and stimulating effect of somatotropic hormone (STH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) on organs and tissues. Secondary diabetes mellitus was identified in 16-46% of patients, nodular goiter in 30-70%, secondary adrenal insufficiency in 11-20% of patients. The most common cause of acromegaly is an active pituitary tumor – somatotropinoma, rarely STH is overproduced by neuroendocrine cells, located endo- and extracranially. Recent achievements in neuroendocrinology provided significant improvement of management of patients. The aim of treatment for acromegaly is to achieve clinical and biochemical remission of the disease. At present three basic methods of treatment for acromegaly are used: surgical (endonasal transsphenoidal adenomectomy), drug therapy, radiation therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery (cyber knife). Differential and combined use of modern medical drugs in the form of monotherapy and in a combination with surgical and radiation treatment permits to achieve both clinical and hormonal remission of acromegaly improving in this way the quality and duration of life of patients. In the given review of literature modern concepts of etiology, pathogenesis, clinical peculiarities, modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of this disease are presented.

Cyclopes and Giants: From Homer's Odyssey to contemporary genetic diagnosis.

Giants are humanlike creatures of prodigious size and strength present in the myths and legends of many cultures. Cyclopes were a race of giants depicted in ancient Greek mythology and literature. Apart from their extraordinary stature, they were also characterised by the presence of one single eye, located in the centre of their forehead. One of them, Polyphemus, plays a central role in one of the most exiting episodes of Homer’s Odyssey. Besides, descriptions of cases of extremely tall individuals appear in the medical literature as early as in the 16 th century A.D. Post mortem evidence of pituitary tumors were identified in most of these cases, pointing towards acromegaly / gigantism as the most likely cause. More recent case reports on real life giants enriched with the use of radiographic imaging have yielded similar results and even familial cases have been identified. Today, pituitary adenomas over secreting growth hormone (GH) are recognised as the most common cause of acromegaly and advances have been made in understanding their aetiology and pathogenesis. Medical interpretation of the case of Cyclopes covers the differential diagnosis of familial tall stature concurrent with vision impairment in the form of bitemporal hemianopia. Combining textual evidence from Homer’s Odyssey with current scientific data has led us to the conclusion that gigantism in the context of Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenoma (FIPA) or X-linked acro-gigantism (X-LAG) due to mutations either in AIP or GPR101 is the possible culprit: a change in DNA sequence functioning as a link between myth and reality, proving not only that Cyclopes could have really existed, but also that giants are still living among us.