Endocrinology

Answer 1 Measurement of growth hormone (GH) levels during an oral glucose tolerance test. The most specific test to diagnose acromegaly is the measurement of GH levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). GH is not suppressed during an OGTT in patients with acromegaly, whereas its secretion is suppressed in individuals without the disorder. Random levels of GH in the blood may vary and are not informative in the diagnosis of acromegaly. Magnetic resonance imaging and octreotide scanning are imaging studies used for localization purposes only. Measuring insulin-like growth factor I is also a good test to screen for acromegaly, but physicians must be sure that patients do not have conditions such as hypoproteinemia and are not pregnant or undergoing puberty. Click here to return to the questions

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