PLASMA GROWTH HORMONE AND HYPERTROPHIC OSTEOARTHROPATHY IN CARCINOMA OF THE BRONCHUS

Abstract

Abstract. Three cases of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (Pierre Marie‐Bamberger syndrome) with co‐existing carcinoma of the bronchus are reported. Estimations of plasma growth hormone including the variations during hypo‐ and hyperglycemia were undertaken pre‐ and postoperatively. In one case the fasting plasma growth hormone concentration was elevated, presenting characteristics suggestive of autonomous secretion. The clinical picture of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy to some extent mimics that of acromegaly, but the evidence that hypertrophic osteoarthropathy is the result of increased production of growth hormone is not found to be convincing. It is concluded that cells from malignant lung tumors might be able to synthesize and secrete growth hormone or growth‐hormone‐like substances.