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Ectopic GHRH Production

Meaning

Ectopic GHRH Production is a rare clinical condition defined by the synthesis and secretion of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) from an extra-hypothalamic source, meaning a tissue location where its production is not normally expected. This abnormal secretion typically originates from a neuroendocrine tumor (NET) located outside of the brain, most commonly in the pancreas or lung. The consequence of this unregulated hormonal release is the development of acromegaly, a disorder characterized by excessive growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) secretion.