Growth hormone-releasing hormone-secreting giant pheochromocytoma causing acromegaly: a case report with a review of the literature.

Authors

Takuya Kitamura, Kazutaka Nanba, Mutsuki Mishina, Toru Kanno, Seiko Kasahara, Naoki Higashibeppu, Koki Moriyoshi, Naoko Inoshita, Noriko Kimura, Naotetsu Kanamoto

Published in

Endocrine journal. Oct 17, 2026. Epub Oct 17, 2026.

Abstract

The ectopic secretion of growth hormone (GH) or growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is responsible for fewer than 1% of acromegaly cases. Furthermore, within this small population, GHRH-secreting pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PPGLs) are even rarer. A 57-year-old Japanese woman presented to our hospital for treatment of a large left-sided pheochromocytoma (PCC). A physical examination revealed enlargement of the nose and lips as well as macroglossia, thereby raising the suspicion of acromegaly, which was biochemically confirmed by a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a slightly enlarged pituitary gland but no definitive tumor. A left adrenalectomy was performed after careful dose titration of doxazosin and metyrosine. Postoperative biochemical improvement of GH excess and immunohistochemical analysis of the resected tumor confirmed the diagnosis of GHRH-secreting PCC. Given the possibility that PPGLs produce various ectopic hormones and peptides, thorough physical examinations remain fundamental for the accurate diagnosis and optimal management of patients with these tumors.

PMID:
42893849
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 19 Oct 2026.

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