The characteristic facial changes in acromegaly are caused by excess of which hormone?

The characteristic facial changes in acromegaly are caused by excess of which hormone?

• A. Prolactin
• B. Growth Hormone
• C. Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone
• D. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

Answer: (B)

Excess growth hormone drives the characteristic facies seen in acromegaly. GH acts on bones and soft tissues, and in adults (when growth plates have closed) this leads to thickening of facial bones and expansion of soft tissues rather than lengthening of bones. The result is the classic appearance: enlarged jaw (prognathism), broadening of the brow and nose, thick lips, and macroglossia, all contributing to coarse, enlarged facial features. This effect is largely mediated by IGF-1 produced by the liver in response to growth hormone, which promotes bone and soft tissue growth. The underlying cause is usually a pituitary adenoma secreting GH. Prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone cause different syndromes (lactation/reproductive issues, hyperthyroidism, and Cushing’s, respectively) and do not produce the same facial changes characteristic of acromegaly.

Excess growth hormone drives the characteristic facies seen in acromegaly. GH acts on bones and soft tissues, and in adults (when growth plates have closed) this leads to thickening of facial bones and expansion of soft tissues rather than lengthening of bones. The result is the classic appearance: enlarged jaw (prognathism), broadening of the brow and nose, thick lips, and macroglossia, all contributing to coarse, enlarged facial features. This effect is largely mediated by IGF-1 produced by the liver in response to growth hormone, which promotes bone and soft tissue growth. The underlying cause is usually a pituitary adenoma secreting GH. Prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone cause different syndromes (lactation/reproductive issues, hyperthyroidism, and Cushing’s, respectively) and do not produce the same facial changes characteristic of acromegaly.