TITLE:
A Case of Ectopic Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) from Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Resistant to Therapy
AUTHORS:
Ohoud Almohareb, Juan Rivera
KEYWORDS:
Ectopic GHRH; Acromegaly; Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases,
Vol.3 No.7,
November
18,
2013
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Ectopic
secretion of GHRH is a rare cause of acromegaly. However, its recognition is
clinically important because different therapeutic approaches are required. Case
Presentation: We present a challenging case of acromegaly secondary to
ectopic GHRH secretion from pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor in a 52-year-old
female. The patient is treated with different modalities which include
pegvisomant in an attempt to control the stimulated GH-axis considering the
limited data about its use in treatment of ectopic acromegaly. Conclusion: GHRH-secreting
tumor is a rare cause of acromegaly. Surgical resection of the tumor is the
therapy of choice whenever possible. However, further studies are warranted for
unresectable tumor or resistant cases.