Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Macroadenoma: Diagnosis of Acromegaly in a Young Adult

Acromegaly is a rare endocrinopathy caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH), usually associated with pituitary macroadenomas. Diagnosis is often delayed due to the insidious clinical presentation. We present a 35-year-old male, a baker, previously healthy, who went to the Emergency Department due to episodic, self-limited vertigo. His clinical history revealed chronic night sweats, progressive facial changes, snoring, and breathing pauses. Laboratory tests showed elevated GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels (IGF-1), and the MRI confirmed a pituitary macroadenoma. This case illustrates a classic yet underdiagnosed presentation of acromegaly, emphasizing the importance of clinical suspicion even in young and functionally active individuals. Early diagnosis of acromegaly is essential to prevent systemic complications. Recognizing subtle clinical signs can be critical for timely intervention and improving prognosis.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-11-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.97829
Primary Topic
Pituitary Gland Disorders and Treatments
Type
article
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article

Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Macroadenoma: Diagnosis of Acromegaly in a Young Adult

Cureus
Pituitary Gland Disorders and Treatments
article

Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Macroadenoma: Diagnosis of Acromegaly in a Young Adult

article en

Abstract

Acromegaly is a rare endocrinopathy caused by excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH), usually associated with pituitary macroadenomas. Diagnosis is often delayed due to the insidious clinical presentation. We present a 35-year-old male, a baker, previously healthy, who went to the Emergency Department due to episodic, self-limited vertigo. His clinical history revealed chronic night sweats, progressive facial changes, snoring, and breathing pauses. Laboratory tests showed elevated GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels (IGF-1), and the MRI confirmed a pituitary macroadenoma. This case illustrates a classic yet underdiagnosed presentation of acromegaly, emphasizing the importance of clinical suspicion even in young and functionally active individuals. Early diagnosis of acromegaly is essential to prevent systemic complications. Recognizing subtle clinical signs can be critical for timely intervention and improving prognosis.

CureusVol. 17(11)
Hospital de Faro EPE (PT), Algarve Biomedical Center (PT)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 36%
Pituitary Gland Disorders and Treatments
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