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Development of acromegaly in a patient with anorexia nervosa: Pathogenetic and diagnostic implications

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Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychosomatic disorder characterized by an alteration in body image, resulting in eating abnormalities that lead to malnutrition associated with secondary endocrinological disturbances. AN is associated with high levels of GH and low levels of IGF-I, suggestive of a nutritionally acquired lack of GH action or GH resistance and of an unbalanced hypothalamic GH neuroregulation with GHRH prevalence on SS tone. In this clinical report, we describe the development of acromegaly in a patient affected by AN and we discuss pathogenetic and diagnostic implications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Internal Medicine, Treviso Hospital, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

    E. de Menis

  2. Endocrine Unit, Division of Medicine, Mantova Hospital, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

    M. Gola

  3. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

    A. Giustina

Authors
  1. E. de Menis
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  2. M. Gola
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  3. A. Giustina
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Correspondence to A. Giustina.

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de Menis, E., Gola, M. & Giustina, A. Development of acromegaly in a patient with anorexia nervosa: Pathogenetic and diagnostic implications. J Endocrinol Invest 29, 821–825 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03347377

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03347377

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