ETIOLOGICAL AND PATHOGENETIC ASPECTS OF ACROMEGALY IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Acromegaly in children is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by excessivesecretion of growth hormone (GH), usually caused by a pituitary adenoma. Unlike adults, excessivegrowth hormone production in children often occurs before epiphyseal plate closure, resulting inaccelerated linear growth and gigantism. The disease is associated with elevated levels of insulinlikegrowth factor-1 (IGF-1), which mediates many of the physiological and pathological effects ofgrowth hormone. Early diagnosis is challenging due to the gradual onset of symptoms and the rarityof the condition. Understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of pediatric acromegaly is essentialfor timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and prevention of long-term complications. This articlereviews the major etiological factors and pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development ofacromegaly in children.