Key Facts
Gigantism is a rare condition that causes excessive growth in children. It occurs when a child's pituitary gland makes too much growth hormone (GH) before the growth plates (epiphyseal plates) at the ends of the bones have closed.
Pathophysiology
The most common cause is a benign pituitary tumor (adenoma). Because the growth plates in the long bones are still open in children, the excess GH leads to extreme longitudinal bone growth and increased height that is significantly above the average for the child's age.
Symptoms & Clinical Features
Diagnosis
Diagnosis involves measuring IGF-1 levels and a Growth Hormone Suppression Test (using glucose). If GH levels remain high, a high-resolution MRI of the pituitary gland is performed. Hand X-rays are also used to assess "Bone Age" and growth plate status.
Diagnostic Pathway
Initial Screening
Symptom review and baseline hormonal blood tests.
Confirmatory Testing
Advanced diagnostic protocols (e.g., OGTT, MRI, Suppression tests).
Personalized Plan
Tailored treatment strategy based on clinical results.
Treatment & Management
The primary goal is to reduce GH levels and shrink the tumor. Transsphenoidal surgery is often the first choice. Medications like Somatostatin analogs or GH receptor antagonists may be used. In persistent cases, radiation therapy or gamma knife surgery is considered.
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