Pseudoacromegaly

Pseudoacromegaly Associated with Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenoma

“…Conditions associated with acromegaloidism features have been reviewed thoroughly by Marques and Korbonits (Table 1) [3] , and the patient we describe is not similar to those cases reported in the literature. It is well known that growth is mediated by many factors including GH, SM-C, thyroid hormone, sex hormones, insulin and/or PRL and other not yet defined promotors which should be taken into consideration.…”

Pachydermoperiostosis mimicking the acral abnormalities of acromegaly

“…Bones and soft tissues of hands and feet can be affected by different conditions, including genetic, metabolic or systemic disorders [1]. Acromegaly is a condition caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH) leading to elevated insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, which is characterised by somatic overgrowth and physical disfigurement notably affecting hands and feet [2].…”

“…Acromegaly is a condition caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH) leading to elevated insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, which is characterised by somatic overgrowth and physical disfigurement notably affecting hands and feet [2]. However, there are other conditions that can mimick the clinical features seen in acromegaly without GH/IGF-1 anomalies, termed as pseudoacromegaly [1].…”

“…Pachydermoperiostosis (primary autosomal recessive hypertrophic osteoarthropathy) is a rare condition characterised by digital clubbing, joint problems and pachydermia, but other skin manifestations due to dermal and sebaceous gland hypertrophy can be found [1]. HPGD loss leads to accumulation of circulating prostaglandins, suggested to play a role in the development of the characteristic signs and symptoms [3].…”

“…Cutis verticis gyrate, facial coarsening, hyperhidrosis, seborrhoea and acne are common in pachydermoperiostosis as well as in acromegaly. However, other manifestations characteristic in pachydermoperiostosis, but not seen in acromegaly, are blepharoptosis, long eyelashes, myelofibrosis, hypoalbuminemia, peptic ulcer, gastric cancer or watery diarrhoea in response to certain triggers, such as cold drinks, greasy food or sexual activity [1]. Pachydermoperiostosis diagnosis is often established by geneticists or rheumatologists; however, these patients may be first referred for investigation of possible GH excess to an endocrinologist, as in our case and in several cases reported in the literature, thus we should be aware of pachydermoperiostosis as a pseudoacromegaly condition and aid in establishing its diagnosis [1].…”