Diseases of Endocrine Glands - Gigantism

 

Diseases of Endocrine Glands

 

Introduction

Endocrine glands are ductless glands in the body. They are characterized by absence of ducts. Their Secretions are emptied directly into the bloodstream and they act on distant organs. Their secretions are called hormones. The word hormone is derived from a Greek word which means to stimulate. Now such hormones can be synthesized  in the laboratory too. Various endocrine glands and their hormones are shown in the following table:-

 

                                                     Endocrine Glands and their Hormones

       

Gland	Hormones	Function
Pituitary
Anterior	.Growth hormone	.Stimulate growth.
	.Follicle stimulating hormone	.Stimulate growth of ovarian follicles in a woman.
	.Luteinizing hormone	.Cause ovulation in a woman.
	.Thyroid stimulating hormone	.Stimulate thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4.
	.Adrenocorticotrophic hormone.	.Stimulate adrenal cortex to produce glucocorticoids.
Posterior	.Antidiuretic hormone.	.Reduce renal tubular function and urine formation. .To cause uterine contractions in labor.
	.Oxytocin	.To cause milk let down during lactation. .Stimulate lactation.
Middle
Thyroid	.Prolactin .T3,T4.	.Metabolism of multiple organs in the body.
Pancreas	.Insulin .Glucagon	.Carbohydrates metabolism.
Adrenal	.Glucorticoids .Mineralocorticoids	.Metabolism. .Electrolyte balance.
Parathyroid	.Parathormone	.Calcium metabolism.

 

 

1.Gigantism

Definition

It is a condition characterised by hyperfunction of the pituitary gland in childhood ,due to the development of a pituitary tumour, so that  excess of growth hormone is produced, causing excessive growth of the body.

Clinical features

1.The height is 7 to 9 feet.

2.Weight is excessive.

3.Intracranial pressure rises Vomiting and headache develop.

4.Patient becomes blind.

5.Coma develops.

6.Hypertension  may   occur in some patients.

 

Investigations

1.Serum growth hormones level High.

2.X-ray skull Features of pituitary tumour.

3.CT scan of brain pituitary tumour is seen.

4.MRI of head Pituitary tumour is seen.

 

Treatment

1.The pituitary tumour is removed by surgery .The approach may be any of the following:-

                .Transphenoid

                Transethmoid

                 Transfrontal