aetiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • 95% of cases are due to a growth hormone secreting pituitary adenoma
  • less than 3% of cases are due to ectopic GHRH production - carcinoid tumours especially bronchial, pancreatic islet tumours or adrenal tumours
  • less than 2% of cases result from ectopic GH secreting pancreatic islet tumours

The condition may arise as part of the type I multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome.