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

Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2001 Dec;32(4):621-3.
[Article in Chinese]

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Gigantism / blood*
  • Gigantism / diagnosis
  • Growth Hormone / blood*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Growth Hormone