ACROMEGALY CAUSED BY PULMONARY CARCINOID TUMOURS

Abstract

Two patients are described whose acromegaly was cured by removal of a bronchial carcinoid tumour. One had an enlarged pituitary fossa and evidence is presented that in this patient the tumour was not secreting growth hormone. The evidence available suggests that the tumour was producing a growth hormone releasing substance. It is suggested that some cases of the pluriglandular syndrome may be secondary to small bronchial carcinoid tumours that produce substances as yet unidentified, that stimulate the growth and hyperactivity of other endocrine tissue.