[Gigantism with low serum level of growth hormone: a case report].

Abstract

Gigantism with low or normal basal concentrations of growth hormone (GH) is a rare condition, possibly due to abnormal GH secretory patterns, enhanced tissue sensitivity to GH, or the existence of an unidentified growth promoting factor. Here we report an 11 year-old female case of gigantism with a normal pituitary gland. Her height was 181 cm, body weight 77 kg, and bone age 11.1 years. Her basal serum GH levels were lower than 1 ng/ml. The levels of T3, T4, FT3, FT4, TSH, E2, LH, FSH, PRL, PTC and ACTH were normal. Serum GH response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia or arginine stimulation tests was blunted. In this case, non-pulsatile GH secretion and enhanced tissue sensitivity to GH may induce hypersecretion of IGF-1 and the existence of an unidentified growth promoting factor or biologically active anti-GH receptor antibodies may cause clinical gigantism.

• Authors: X Ran, L Zhang, P Xiong, T Zhao, N Tong, X Li
• Journal: Hua xi yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of West China University of Medical Sciences = Huaxi yike daxue xuebao (Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao) Vol. 32 Issue 4 Pg. 621-3 (Dec 2001) ISSN: 0257-7712 [Print] China
• PMID: 12528568 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Growth Hormone

Topics

• Child
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Gigantism (blood, diagnosis)
• Growth Hormone (blood)
• Humans