In this episode of Quick Medical Review, we break down Acromegaly — a high-yield endocrine topic for USMLE, MRCP, PLAB, and SMLE exams.

What you'll learn:

- Pathophysiology: Why pituitary adenomas cause excess GH, how IGF-1 mediates the effects, and the difference between acromegaly and gigantism

- Clinical features: From coarsened facial features to bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome — the classic exam clues and systemic complications

- Visual field defect: How macroadenomas compress the optic chiasm causing bitemporal hemianopia

- Diagnosis: The 3-step approach — IGF-1 screening, Oral Glucose Tolerance Test confirmation, and MRI imaging

- Treatment: Transsphenoidal surgery, Somatostatin analogues (Octreotide/Lanreotide), Pegvisomant, Dopamine agonists, and radiotherapy

- Complications: Hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, cardiomyopathy, colorectal cancer risk, sleep apnea, and arthropathy

Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction

0:25 – What is Acromegaly?

1:20 – Clinical Features & Exam Clues

2:30 – Visual Field Defect

3:05 – Diagnosis (IGF-1, OGTT, MRI)

3:55 – Treatment Options

4:55 – High-Yield Rapid-Fire Exam Points

5:30 – Wrap-Up

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