Common acromegaly examination exam questions for medical finals, OSCEs and MRCP PACES

Click on the the example questions below to reveal the answers

 

Question 1.

What further investigations would you do if you suspected acromegaly?

  • Bloods
    • FBC, U&E, LFT, bone profile, CRP
    • Glucose, HbA1c
    • Tests of other pituitary hormones: TFT, TSH, FSH, LH, ACTH, prolactin
  • Diagnostic tests
    • IGF-1 (if raised suggests acromegaly)
    • Oral glucose tolerance test if IGF-1 raised (will fail to supress GH in acromegaly)
    • MRI brain with contrast

Question 2.

What are the possible treatment options for acromegaly?

  • Somatostatin analogue (e.g. octreotide)
  • Transphenoidal hypophysectomy
  • Can use radiotherapy if not suitable for the above

 

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