Transient elevation of serum growth hormone level during pituitary apoplexy in acromegaly.

Abstract

We report a case of acromegaly followed by pituitary apoplexy in which hormonal changes during the course of an acute episode were investigated. Serum growth hormone level increased markedly during the acute phase, and, subsequently, decreased rapidly. Finally, serum growth hormone level remained low and did not respond to stimulation. In contrast, the serum cortisol level remarkably decreased during the most serious stage and returned to the previous level after pituitary apoplexy. The low level of cortisol during the acute phase is compatible with the patient's manifestation of adrenal insufficiency, and hydrocortisone sodium succinate administration improved the critical state of the patient dramatically.

• Authors: M Taniyama, M Yonemaru, S Tanaka, T Maruyama, K Kataoka, S Matsuki
• Journal: Archives of internal medicine (Arch Intern Med) Vol. 146 Issue 5 Pg. 1001-3 (May 1986) ISSN: 0003-9926 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3516099 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Insulin
• Growth Hormone
• Hydrocortisone

Topics

• Acromegaly (complications, physiopathology)
• Female
• Growth Hormone (blood)
• Humans
• Hydrocortisone (blood)
• Insulin
• Middle Aged
• Pituitary Diseases (complications, physiopathology)
• Pituitary Neoplasms (complications, diagnostic imaging)
• Radiography
• Time Factors