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MBBS QUESTION #10287
Question 1
Both acromegaly and gigantism result from excess growth hormone secretion, typically from a pituitary somatotroph adenoma. The key distinguishing factor between the two conditions is:
  • They are caused by entirely different hormones
  • The timing of excess GH relative to epiphyseal growth plate closure — gigantism occurs in childhood before plate closure (causing increased linear height), while acromegaly occurs in adulthood after plate closure (causing bony/soft tissue overgrowth without increased height)✔️
  • Acromegaly is always associated with normal growth hormone levels
  • Gigantism occurs exclusively in female patients
Correct Answer Explanation
Excess GH before epiphyseal fusion (childhood) drives excessive linear bone growth (gigantism), whereas the same excess after fusion (adulthood) cannot increase height and instead causes periosteal bone thickening and soft tissue overgrowth (acromegaly) — same hormone, different clinical picture depending on skeletal maturity at onset.