Causes of Acromegaly

List of causes of Acromegaly

Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Acromegaly) that could possibly cause Acromegaly includes:

• Pituitary adenoma (type of Adenoma) - benign tumor, over 90% of patients
• Non-pituitary tumor - pancreas, lung, adrenal glands, chest, abdomen, or pelvis
• Pancreas tumor
• Lung tumor
• Adrenal gland tumor
• Mental retardation, X-linked - acromegaly - hyperactivity - acromegaly
• Insulin resistance, short fifth metacarpals - acromegaly
• Carney syndrome - acromegaly
• Pituitary Cancer - acromegaly
• Growth-hormone secreting pituitary adenoma, colonic polyposis, lipomatosis, lentigines and renal carcinoma - acromegaly
• Growth hormone secreting tumour
• McCune-Albright Syndrome - acromegaly
• Growth hormone excess

More causes: see full list of causes for Acromegaly

Acromegaly as a complication of other conditions:

Other conditions that might have Acromegaly as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Acromegaly. Our database lists the following as having Acromegaly as a complication of that condition:

• McCune-Albright Syndrome
• Nevi - atrial myxoma - myxoid neurofibromata - ephelides
• Pituitary Cancer

Acromegaly as a symptom:

Conditions listing Acromegaly as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Acromegaly. Our database lists the following as having Acromegaly as a symptom of that condition:

• Carney syndrome
• Growth-hormone secreting pituitary adenoma, colonic polyposis, lipomatosis, lentigines and renal carcinoma
• Insulin resistance, short fifth metacarpals
• McCune-Albright Syndrome
• Mental retardation, X-linked - acromegaly - hyperactivity

What causes Acromegaly?

Causes: Acromegaly: Pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone often due to a tumor.

Cause statistics for Acromegaly:

The following are statistics from various sources about the causes of Acromegaly:

• 90% of acromegaly cases are caused by a benign tumour of the pituitary gland or adenoma in the US (NIDDK, NIH, 2002)
• more statistics...»

Related information on causes of Acromegaly:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Acromegaly may be found in:

• Hidden causes of Acromegaly

Causes of Acromegaly: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Acromegaly.

Weight gain, excessive: Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

Acromegaly

Acromegaly causes moderate weight gain. Other findings include coarsened facial features, prognathism, enlarged hands and feet, increased sweating, oily skin, deep voice, back and joint pain, lethargy, sleepiness, and heat intolerance. Occasionally, hirsutism may occur.

Diabetes mellitus

The increased appetite associated with diabetes mellitus may lead to weight gain, although weight loss sometimes occurs instead. Other findings include fatigue, polydipsia, polyuria, nocturia, weakness, polyphagia, and somnolence.

Hypercortisolism

Excessive weight gain, usually over the trunk and the back of the neck (buffalo hump), characteristically occurs in this disorder. Other cushingoid features include slender extremities, moon face, weakness, purple striae, emotional lability, and increased susceptibility to infection. Gynecomastia may occur in men; hirsutism, acne, and menstrual irregularities may occur in women.

Hyperinsulinism

Hyperinsulinism increases appetite, leading to weight gain. Emotional lability, indigestion, weakness, diaphoresis, tachycardia, visual disturbances, and syncope also occur.

Hypogonadism

Weight gain is common in hypogonadism. Prepubertal hypogonadism causes eunuchoid body proportions with relatively sparse facial and body hair and a high-pitched voice. Postpubertal hypogonadism causes loss of libido, impotence, and infertility.

Hypothalamic dysfunction

Conditions such as Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome cause a voracious appetite with subsequent weight gain, along with altered body temperature and sleep rhythms.

Hypothyroidism

With hypothyroidism, weight gain occurs despite anorexia. Related signs and symptoms include fatigue; cold intolerance; constipation; menorrhagia; slowed intellectual and motor activity; dry, pale, cool skin; dry, sparse hair; and thick, brittle nails. Myalgia, hoarseness, hypoactive deep tendon reflexes, bradycardia, and abdominal distention may occur. Eventually, the face assumes a dull expression with periorbital edema.

Nephrotic syndrome

With nephrotic syndrome, weight gain results from edema. In severe cases, anasarca develops — increasing body weight up to 50%. Related effects include abdominal distention, orthostatic hypotension, and lethargy.

Pancreatic islet cell tumor

Pancreatic islet cell tumor causes excessive hunger, which leads to weight gain. Other findings include emotional lability, weakness, malaise, fatigue, restlessness, diaphoresis, palpitations, tachycardia, visual disturbances, and syncope.

Preeclampsia

With preeclampsia, rapid weight gain (exceeding the normal weight gain of pregnancy) may accompany nausea and vomiting, epigastric pain, elevated blood pressure, and visual blurring or double vision.

Sheehan’s syndrome

Most common in women who experience severe obstetric hemorrhage, Sheeehan’s syndrome may cause weight gain.

Other causes

Drugs

Corticosteroids, phenothiazines, and tricyclic antidepressants cause weight gain from fluid retention and increased appetite. Other drugs that can lead to weight gain include hormonal contraceptives, which cause fluid retention; cyproheptadine, which increases appetite; and lithium, which can induce hypothyroidism.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Weight loss, excessive: Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

Adrenal insufficiency

Weight loss occurs with adrenal insufficiency, along with anorexia, weakness, fatigue, irritability, syncope, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation. Hyperpigmentation may occur at the joints, belt line, palmar creases, lips, gums, tongue, and buccal mucosa.

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a psychogenic disorder, most common in young women, and is characterized by a severe, self-imposed weight loss ranging from 10% to 50% of premorbid weight, which typically was normal or not more than 5 lb (2.3 kg) over ideal weight. Related findings include skeletal muscle atrophy, loss of fatty tissue, hypotension, constipation, dental caries, susceptibility to infection, blotchy or sallow skin, cold intolerance, hairiness on the face and body, dryness or loss of scalp hair, and amenorrhea. The patient usually demonstrates restless activity and vigor and may also have a morbid fear of becoming fat. Self-induced vomiting or use of laxatives or diuretics may lead to dehydration or to metabolic alkalosis or acidosis.

Cancer

Weight loss is often a sign of cancer. Other findings reflect the type, location, and stage of the tumor and can include fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abnormal bleeding, and a palpable mass.

Crohn’s disease

Weight loss occurs with chronic cramping, abdominal pain, and anorexia. Other signs and symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, fever, tachycardia, abdominal tenderness and guarding, hyperactive bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and pain. Perianal lesions and a palpable mass in the right or left lower quadrant may also be present.

Cryptosporidiosis

Weight loss may occur with cryptosporidiosis, an opportunistic protozoan infection. Other findings include profuse watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, flatulence, anorexia, malaise, fever, nausea, vomiting, and myalgia.

Depression

Weight loss or weight gain may occur with severe depression, along with insomnia or hypersomnia, anorexia, apathy, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. Indecisiveness, incoherence, and suicidal thoughts or behavior may also occur.

Diabetes mellitus

Weight loss may occur with diabetes mellitus, despite increased appetite. Other findings include polydipsia, weakness, fatigue, and polyuria with nocturia.

Esophagitis

Painful inflammation of the esophagus leads to temporary avoidance of eating and subsequent weight loss. Intense pain in the mouth and anterior chest occurs, along with hypersalivation, dysphagia, tachypnea, and hematemesis. If a stricture develops, dysphagia and weight loss will recur.

Gastroenteritis

Malabsorption and dehydration cause weight loss in gastroenteritis. The loss may be sudden in acute viral infections or reactions or gradual in parasitic infection. Other findings include poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, hypotension, diarrhea, abdominal pain and tenderness, hyperactive bowel sounds, nausea, vomiting, fever, and malaise.

Leukemia

Acute leukemia causes progressive weight loss accompanied by severe prostration; high fever; swollen, bleeding gums; and bleeding tendencies. Dyspnea, tachycardia, palpitations, and abdominal or bone pain may occur. As the disease progresses, neurologic symptoms may eventually develop.

Chronic leukemia, which occurs insidiously in adults, causes progressive weight loss with malaise, fatigue, pallor, enlarged spleen, bleeding tendencies, anemia, skin eruptions, anorexia, and fever.

Lymphoma

Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cause gradual weight loss. Associated findings include fever, fatigue, night sweats, malaise, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Scaly rashes and pruritus may develop.

Pulmonary tuberculosis

Pulmonary tuberculosis causes gradual weight loss, along with fatigue, weakness, anorexia, night sweats, and low-grade fever. Other clinical effects include a cough with bloody or mucopurulent sputum, dyspnea, and pleuritic chest pain. Examination may reveal dullness on percussion, crackles after coughing, increased tactile fremitus, and amphoric breath sounds.

Stomatitis

Inflammation of the oral mucosa (usually red, swollen, and ulcerated) in stomatitis causes weight loss due to decreased eating. Associated findings include fever, increased salivation, malaise, mouth pain, anorexia, and swollen, bleeding gums.

Thyrotoxicosis

With thyrotoxicosis, increased metabolism causes weight loss. Other characteristic signs and symptoms include nervousness, heat intolerance, diarrhea, increased appetite, palpitations, tachycardia, diaphoresis, fine tremor, and possibly an enlarged thyroid and exophthalmos. A ventricular or atrial gallop may be heard.

Other causes

Drugs

Amphetamines and inappropriate dosage of thyroid preparations commonly lead to weight loss. Laxative abuse may cause a malabsorptive state that leads to weight loss. Chemotherapeutic agents cause stomatitis or nausea and vomiting, which, when severe, causes weight loss.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Acromegaly and gigantism: Causes and incidence
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Typically, oversecretion of human growth hormone (hGH) produces changes throughout the body, resulting in acromegaly and, when oversecretion occurs before puberty, gigantism. Eosinophilic or mixed-cell adenomas of the anterior pituitary gland may cause this oversecretion but the etiology of the tumors themselves remains unclear. Occasionally, hGH levels are elevated in more than one family member, which suggests the possibility of a genetic cause.

The earliest clinical manifestations of acromegaly include soft-tissue swelling of the extremities and coarsening of facial features. This rare form of hyperpituitarism occurs equally among males and females, usually between ages 30 and 50. Annually, it affects 3 to 4 people per every million.

In gigantism, proportional overgrowth of all body tissues starts before epiphyseal closure. This causes remarkable height increases of as much as 6"(15 cm) per year. Gigantism affects infants and children, causing them to attain as much as three times the normal height for their age. As adults, they may ultimately reach a height of more than 80"(203 cm). Gigantism is rare; there have only been 100 reported cases.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Weight gain, excessive: Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Acromegaly

This disorder causes moderate weight gain. Other findings include coarsened facial features, prognathism, enlarged hands and feet, increased sweating, oily skin, deep voice, back and joint pain, lethargy, sleepiness, heat intolerance and, occasionally, hirsutism.

Cushing’s syndrome (hypercortisolism)

Excessive weight gain, usually over the trunk and the back of the neck (buffalo hump), characteristically occurs in this disorder. Other cushingoid features include slender extremities, moon face, weakness, purple striae, emotional lability, and increased susceptibility to infection. Gynecomastia may occur in men; hirsutism, acne, and menstrual irregularities may occur in women.

Diabetes mellitus

The increased appetite associated with this disorder may lead to weight gain, although weight loss sometimes occurs instead. Other findings include fatigue, polydipsia, polyuria, nocturia, weakness, polyphagia, and somnolence.

Heart failure

Despite anorexia, weight gain may result from edema. Other typical findings include paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, orthopnea, and fatigue.

Hyperinsulinism

This disorder increases appetite, leading to weight gain. Emotional lability, indigestion, weakness, diaphoresis, tachycardia, visual disturbances, and syncope also occur.

Hypogonadism

Weight gain is common in this disorder. Prepubertal hypogonadism causes eunuchoid body proportions with relatively sparse facial and body hair and a high-pitched voice. Postpubertal hypogonadism causes loss of libido, impotence, and infertility.

Hypothalamic dysfunction

Conditions such as Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome cause a voracious appetite and subsequent weight gain along with altered body temperature and sleep rhythms.

Hypothyroidism

In this disorder, weight gain occurs despite anorexia. Related signs and symptoms include fatigue; cold intolerance; constipation; menorrhagia; slowed intellectual and motor activity; dry, pale, cool skin; dry, sparse hair; and thick, brittle nails. Myalgia, hoarseness, hypoactive deep tendon reflexes, bradycardia, and abdominal distention may occur. Eventually, the face assumes a dull expression with periorbital edema.

Metabolic syndrome

This syndrome, previously called syndrome X, consists of a group of disorders that affect metabolism, including excessive weight gain (usually in the central abdomen), hypertension (blood pressure greater than 135/85 mm Hg), abnormal cholesterol levels (high low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels, low high-density lipoprotein level), and high insulin levels. Inefficient use of insulin in the body is thought to be a major contributor to metabolic syndrome, as are physical inactivity, poor diet, and genetic factors. Individuals with metabolic syndrome are at a significantly increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Treatment typically involves exercising, following a heart-healthy diet, and refraining from smoking; medical therapy may be prescribed to treat the individual disorders.

Nephrotic syndrome

In this syndrome, weight gain results from edema. Severe edema (anasarca) can increase body weight by up to 50%. Related effects include abdominal distention, orthostatic hypotension, and lethargy.

Pancreatic islet cell tumor

This type of tumor causes excessive hunger, which leads to weight gain. Other findings include emotional lability, weakness, malaise, fatigue, restlessness, diaphoresis, palpitations, tachycardia, visual disturbances, and syncope.

Preeclampsia

In this disorder, rapid weight gain (exceeding the normal weight gain of pregnancy) may accompany nausea and vomiting, epigastric pain, elevated blood pressure, and blurred or double vision.

Sheehan’s syndrome

Most common in women who experience severe obstetric hemorrhage, this syndrome may cause weight gain caused by impaired pituitary gland function.

Other causes

Drugs

Corticosteroids, phenothiazines, and tricyclic antidepressants cause weight gain from fluid retention and increased appetite. Other drugs that can lead to weight gain include hormonal contraceptives, which cause fluid retention; cyproheptadine, which increases appetite; and lithium, which can induce hypothyroidism.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Weight loss, excessive: Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Adrenal insufficiency

Weight loss occurs in this disorder along with anorexia, weakness, fatigue, irritability, syncope, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation. Hyperpigmentation may occur at the joints, belt line, palmar creases, lips, gums, tongue, and buccal mucosa.

Anorexia nervosa

This psychogenic disorder, most common in young women, is characterized by a severe, self-imposed weight loss ranging from 10% to 50% of premorbid weight, which typically was normal or no more than 5 lb (2.3 kg) over ideal weight. Related findings include skeletal muscle atrophy, loss of fatty tissue, hypotension, constipation, dental caries, susceptibility to infection, blotchy or sallow skin, cold intolerance, hairiness on the face and body, dryness or loss of scalp hair, and amenorrhea. The patient usually demonstrates restless activity and vigor and may have a morbid fear of becoming fat. Self-induced vomiting or use of laxatives or diuretics may lead to dehydration or to metabolic alkalosis or acidosis.

Cancer

Weight loss can be a sign of many types of cancer. Other findings reflect the type, location, and stage of the tumor and can include fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abnormal bleeding, and a palpable mass.

Crohn’s disease

Weight loss occurs with chronic cramping, abdominal pain, and anorexia. Other signs and symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, fever, tachycardia, hyperactive bowel sounds, and abdominal distention, tenderness, and guarding. Perianal lesions and a palpable mass in the right or left lower quadrant may also be present.

Cryptosporidiosis

This opportunistic protozoan infection may cause weight loss, profuse watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, flatulence, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, malaise, fever, and myalgia.

Depression

Severe depression may cause weight loss or weight gain along with insomnia or hypersomnia, anorexia, apathy, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. Indecisiveness, incoherence, and suicidal thoughts or behavior may also occur.

Diabetes mellitus

In this disorder, weight loss may occur despite increased appetite. Other findings include polydipsia, weakness, fatigue, and polyuria with nocturia.

Esophagitis

Painful inflammation of the esophagus leads to temporary avoidance of eating and subsequent weight loss. Intense pain in the mouth and anterior chest is accompanied by hypersalivation, dysphagia, tachypnea, and hematemesis. If a stricture develops, dysphagia and weight loss will recur.

Gastroenteritis

Malabsorption and dehydration cause weight loss in this disorder. The weight loss may be sudden in acute viral infections or reactions or gradual in parasitic infection. Other findings include poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, hypotension, diarrhea, abdominal pain and tenderness, hyperactive bowel sounds, nausea, vomiting, fever, and malaise.

Herpes simplex type 1

Painful fluid-filled blisters in and around the mouth make eating painful, causing decreased food intake and weight loss.

Leukemia

Acute leukemia causes progressive weight loss accompanied by severe prostration; high fever; swollen, bleeding gums; and other bleeding tendencies. Dyspnea, tachycardia, palpitations, and abdominal or bone pain may occur. As the disease progresses, neurologic symptoms may eventually develop.

Chronic leukemia, which occurs insidiously in adults, causes progressive weight loss with malaise, fatigue, pallor, enlarged spleen, bleeding tendencies, anemia, skin eruptions, anorexia, and fever.

Lymphomas

Hodgkin’s disease and malignant lymphoma cause gradual weight loss. Associated findings include fever, fatigue, night sweats, malaise, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Scaly rashes and pruritus may develop.

Pulmonary tuberculosis

This disorder causes gradual weight loss along with fatigue, weakness, anorexia, night sweats, and low-grade fever. Other clinical effects include a cough with bloody or mucopurulent sputum, dyspnea, and pleuritic chest pain. Examination may reveal dullness on percussion, crackles after coughing, increased tactile fremitus, and amphoric breath sounds.

Stomatitis

Inflammation of the oral mucosa (which are usually red, swollen, and ulcerated) in this disorder causes weight loss due to decreased eating. Associated findings include fever, increased salivation, malaise, mouth pain, anorexia, and swollen, bleeding gums.

Thyrotoxicosis

In this disorder, increased metabolism causes weight loss. Other characteristic signs and symptoms include nervousness, heat intolerance, diarrhea, increased appetite, palpitations, tachycardia, diaphoresis, a fine tremor, and possibly an enlarged thyroid gland and exophthalmos. A ventricular or atrial gallop may be heard.

Ulcerative colitis

Weight loss is a late sign of this disorder, which is initially characterized by bloody diarrhea with pus or mucus. Other findings include weakness, crampy lower abdominal pain, hyperactive bowel sounds, tenesmus, anorexia, low-grade fever and, occasionally, nausea and vomiting. Constipation may occur late. Fulminant colitis causes severe and steady abdominal pain and diarrhea, high fever, and tachycardia.

Whipple’s disease

This rare disease causes progressive weight loss along with abdominal pain, diarrhea, steatorrhea, arthralgia, fever, hyperpigmentation, lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly.

Other causes

Drugs

Amphetamines and inappropriate dosage of thyroid preparations commonly lead to weight loss. Laxative abuse may cause a malabsorptive state that leads to weight loss. Chemotherapeutic agents may result in weight loss from severe stomatitis.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Acromegaly and gigantism: Causes
(Handbook of Diseases)

Typically, oversecretion of human growth hormone (HGH) produces changes throughout the entire body, resulting in acromegaly and, when oversecretion occurs before puberty, gigantism. Somatotrope adenomas and, rarely, extrapyradimal pituitary lesions or other tumors may cause this oversecretion, but the cause of the tumors themselves remains unclear. Elevated HGH levels in more than one family member suggest a genetic cause.

The earliest sign of acromegaly is soft-tissue swelling of the extremities, which causes coarsening of the facial features. This rare form of hyperpituitarism occurs equally among men and women, usually between ages 30 and 50.

AGE ALERT: In gigantism, proportional overgrowth of all body tissues starts before epiphyseal closure. This causes remarkable height increases of as much as 6 " (15.2 cm) per year. Gigantism affects infants and children, causing them to attain as much as three times the normal height for their age. As adults, they may ultimately reach a height of more than 80 "(203.2 cm).

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Weight gain, excessive: Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Acromegaly

Acromegaly causes moderate weight gain. Other findings include coarsened facial features, prognathism, enlarged hands and feet, increased sweating, oily skin, deep voice, back and joint pain, lethargy, sleepiness, and heat intolerance. Occasionally, hirsutism may occur.

Diabetes mellitus

The increased appetite associated with diabetes mellitus may lead to weight gain, although weight loss sometimes occurs instead. Other findings include fatigue, polydipsia, polyuria, nocturia, weakness, polyphagia, and somnolence.

Heart failure

Despite anorexia, weight gain may result from edema. Other typical findings in heart failure include paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, nausea, orthopnea, and fatigue.

Hypercortisolism

Excessive weight gain, usually over the trunk and the back of the neck (buffalo hump), characteristically occurs in hypercortisolism. Other cushingoid features include slender extremities, moon face, weakness, purple striae, emotional lability, and increased susceptibility to infection. Gynecomastia may occur in men; hirsutism, acne, and menstrual irregularities may occur in women.

Hyperinsulinism

Hyperinsulinism increases appetite, leading to weight gain. Emotional lability, indigestion, weakness, diaphoresis, tachycardia, vision disturbances, and syncope also occur.

Hypogonadism

Weight gain is common in hypogonadism. Prepubertal hypogonadism causes eunuchoid body proportions with relatively sparse facial and body hair and a high-pitched voice. Postpubertal hypogonadism causes loss of libido, impotence, and infertility.

Hypothyroidism

With hypothyroidism, weight gain occurs despite anorexia. Related signs and symptoms include fatigue; cold intolerance; constipation; menorrhagia; slowed intellectual and motor activity; dry, pale, cool skin; dry, sparse hair; and thick, brittle nails. Myalgia, hoarseness, hypoactive deep tendon reflexes, bradycardia, and abdominal distention may occur. Eventually, the face assumes a dull expression with periorbital edema.

Nephrotic syndrome

With nephrotic syndrome, weight gain results from edema. In severe cases, anasarca develops — increasing body weight up to 50%. Related effects include abdominal distention, orthostatic hypotension, and lethargy.

Pancreatic islet cell tumor

Pancreatic islet cell tumor causes excessive hunger, which leads to weight gain. Other findings include emotional lability, weakness, malaise, fatigue, restlessness, diaphoresis, palpitations, tachycardia, vision disturbances, and syncope.

Preeclampsia

With preeclampsia, rapid weight gain (exceeding the normal weight gain of pregnancy) may accompany nausea and vomiting, epigastric pain, elevated blood pressure, and visual blurring or double vision.

Other causes

Drugs

Corticosteroids, phenothiazines, and tricyclic antidepressants cause weight gain from fluid retention and increased appetite. Other drugs that can lead to weight gain include hormonal contraceptives, which cause fluid retention; cyproheptadine, which increases appetite; and lithium, which can induce hypothyroidism.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Weight loss, excessive: Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Adrenal insufficiency

Weight loss occurs with adrenal insufficiency, along with anorexia, weakness, fatigue, irritability, syncope, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation. Hyperpigmentation may occur at the joints, belt line, palmar creases, lips, gums, tongue, and buccal mucosa.

Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa, a psychogenic disorder that’s most common in young women, is characterized by a severe, self-imposed weight loss ranging from 10% to 50% of premorbid weight, which typically was normal or not more than 5 lb (2.3 kg) over ideal weight. Related findings include skeletal muscle atrophy, loss of fatty tissue, hypotension, constipation, dental caries, susceptibility to infection, blotchy or sallow skin, cold intolerance, hairiness on the face and body, dryness or loss of scalp hair, and amenorrhea. The patient usually demonstrates restless activity and vigor and may also have a morbid fear of becoming fat. Self-induced vomiting or use of laxatives or diuretics may lead to dehydration or to metabolic alkalosis or acidosis.

Cancer

Weight loss is often a sign of cancer. Other findings reflect the type, location, and stage of the tumor and can include fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abnormal bleeding, and a palpable mass.

Crohn’s disease

With Crohn’s disease, weight loss occurs with chronic cramping, abdominal pain, and anorexia. Other signs and symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, fever, tachycardia, abdominal tenderness and guarding, hyperactive bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and pain. Perianal lesions and a palpable mass in the right or left lower quadrant may also be present.

Cryptosporidiosis

Weight loss may occur with cryptosporidiosis, an opportunistic protozoan infection. Other findings include profuse watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, flatulence, anorexia, malaise, fever, nausea, vomiting, and myalgia.

Depression

Weight loss or weight gain may occur with severe depression, along with insomnia or hypersomnia, anorexia, apathy, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. Indecisiveness, incoherence, and suicidal thoughts or behavior may also occur.

Diabetes mellitus

Weight loss may occur with diabetes mellitus, despite increased appetite. Other findings include polydipsia, weakness, fatigue, blurred vision, and polyuria with nocturia.

Esophagitis

Painful inflammation of the esophagus leads to temporary avoidance of eating and subsequent weight loss. Intense pain in the mouth and anterior chest occurs, along with hypersalivation, dysphagia, tachypnea, and hematemesis. If a stricture develops, dysphagia and weight loss will recur.

Gastroenteritis

Malabsorption and dehydration cause weight loss in gastroenteritis. The loss may be sudden in acute viral infections or reactions or gradual in parasitic infection. Other findings include poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, hypotension, diarrhea, abdominal pain and tenderness, hyperactive bowel sounds, nausea, vomiting, fever, and malaise.

Herpes simplex 1

With herpes simplex 1, painful fluid-filled blisters in and around the mouth, especially the tongue, gums, and cheeks, make eating painful causing decreased food intake and weight loss. Fever and pharyngitis may also occur.

Leukemia

Acute leukemia causes progressive weight loss accompanied by severe prostration; high fever; swollen, bleeding gums; and bleeding tendencies. Dyspnea, tachycardia, palpitations, and abdominal or bone pain may occur. As the disease progresses, neurologic symptoms may eventually develop.

Chronic leukemia, which occurs insidiously in adults, causes progressive weight loss with malaise, fatigue, pallor, enlarged spleen, bleeding tendencies, anemia, skin eruptions, anorexia, and fever.

Lymphoma

Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cause gradual weight loss. Associated findings include fever, fatigue, night sweats, malaise, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Scaly rashes and pruritus may develop.

Pulmonary tuberculosis

Pulmonary tuberculosis causes gradual weight loss, along with fatigue, weakness, anorexia, night sweats, and low-grade fever. Other clinical effects include a cough with bloody or mucopurulent sputum, dyspnea, and pleuritic chest pain. Examination may reveal dullness on percussion, crackles after coughing, increased tactile fremitus, and amphoric breath sounds.

Stomatitis

Inflammation of the oral mucosa (usually red, swollen, and ulcerated) in stomatitis causes weight loss due to decreased eating. Associated findings include fever, increased salivation, malaise, mouth pain, anorexia, and swollen, bleeding gums.

Thyrotoxicosis

With thyrotoxicosis, increased metabolism causes weight loss. Other characteristic signs and symptoms include nervousness, heat intolerance, diarrhea, increased appetite, palpitations, tachycardia, diaphoresis, fine tremor, and possibly an enlarged thyroid and exophthalmos. A ventricular or atrial gallop may be heard.

Ulcerative colitis

Weight loss is a late sign of ulcerative colitis, which is initially characterized by bloody diarrhea with pus or mucus. Weakness, crampy lower abdominal pain, tenesmus, anorexia, low-grade fever, and occasional nausea and vomiting may also occur. Bowel sounds are hyperactive, and constipation may occur late. With fulminant colitis, severe and steady abdominal pain and diarrhea, high fever, and tachycardia occur.

Other causes

Drugs

Amphetamines and inappropriate dosage of thyroid preparations commonly lead to weight loss. Laxative abuse may cause a malabsorptive state that leads to weight loss. Chemotherapeutic agents cause stomatitis, which, when severe, causes weight loss.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Weight gain, excessive: Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

Acromegaly.Acromegaly causes moderate weight gain. Other findings include coarsened facial features, prognathism, enlarged hands and feet, increased sweating, oily skin, deep voice, back and joint pain, lethargy, sleepiness, and heat intolerance. Occasionally, hirsutism may occur.

Diabetes mellitus.The increased appetite associated with diabetes mellitus may lead to weight gain, although weight loss sometimes occurs initially. Other findings include fatigue, polydipsia, polyuria, nocturia, weakness, polyphagia, and somnolence.

Hypercortisolism.Excessive weight gain, usually over the trunk and the back of the neck (buffalo hump), characteristically occurs in hypercortisolism. Other cushingoid features include slender extremities, moon face, weakness, purple striae, emotional lability, and increased susceptibility to infection. Gynecomastia may occur in men; hirsutism, acne, and menstrual irregularities may occur in women.

Hyperinsulinism.Hyperinsulinism increases appetite, leading to weight gain. Emotional lability, indigestion, weakness, diaphoresis, tachycardia, vision disturbances, and syncope also occur.

Hypogonadism.Weight gain is common in hypogonadism. Prepubertal hypogonadism causes eunuchoid body proportions with relatively sparse facial and body hair and a high-pitched voice. Postpubertal hypogonadism causes loss of libido, impotence, and infertility.

Hypothalamic dysfunction.Conditions such as Laurence-Moon-Biedl syndrome cause a voracious appetite with subsequent weight gain, along with altered body temperature and sleep rhythms.

Hypothyroidism.With hypothyroidism, weight gain occurs despite anorexia. Related signs and symptoms include fatigue; cold intolerance; constipation; menorrhagia; slowed intellectual and motor activity; dry, pale, cool skin; dry, sparse hair; and thick, brittle nails. Myalgia, hoarseness, hypoactive deep tendon reflexes, bradycardia, and abdominal distention may occur. Eventually, the face assumes a dull expression with periorbital edema.

Metabolic syndrome.Metabolic syndrome, previously called syndrome X, consists of a group of disorders that affect metabolism, including excessive weight gain (usually in the central abdomen), hypertension (blood pressure greater than 135/85 mm Hg), abnormal cholesterol levels (high low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels, low high-density lipoprotein level), and high insulin levels.

Nephrotic syndrome.With nephrotic syndrome, weight gain results from edema. In severe cases, anasarca develops—increasing body weight up to 50%. Related effects include abdominal distention, orthostatic hypotension, and lethargy.

Pancreatic islet cell tumor.Pancreatic islet cell tumor causes excessive hunger, which leads to weight gain. Other findings include emotional lability, weakness, malaise, fatigue, restlessness, diaphoresis, palpitations, tachycardia, vision disturbances, and syncope.

Preeclampsia.With preeclampsia, rapid weight gain (exceeding the normal weight gain of pregnancy) may accompany nausea and vomiting, epigastric pain, elevated blood pressure, and blurred or double vision.

Sheehan's syndrome.Most common in women who experience severe obstetric hemorrhage, Sheehan's syndrome may cause weight gain.

Other causes

Drugs.Corticosteroids, phenothiazines, and tricyclic antidepressants cause weight gain from fluid retention and increased appetite. Other drugs that can lead to weight gain include hormonal contraceptives, which cause fluid retention; cyproheptadine, which increases appetite; and lithium, which can induce hypothyroidism.

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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Weight loss, excessive: Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

Adrenal insufficiency.Weight loss occurs with adrenal insufficiency, along with anorexia, weakness, fatigue, irritability, syncope, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation. Hyperpigmentation may occur at the joints, belt line, palmar creases, lips, gums, tongue, and buccal mucosa.

Anorexia nervosa.Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a severe, self-imposed weight loss ranging from 10% to 50% of premorbid weight, which typically was normal or not more than 5 lb (2.3 kg) over ideal weight. Related findings include skeletal muscle atrophy, loss of fatty tissue, hypotension, constipation, dental caries, susceptibility to infection, blotchy or sallow skin, cold intolerance, hairiness on the face and body, dryness or loss of scalp hair, and amenorrhea. The patient usually demonstrates restless activity and vigor and may also have a morbid fear of becoming fat. Self-induced vomiting or use of laxatives or diuretics may lead to dehydration or to metabolic alkalosis or acidosis.

Cancer.Weight loss is often a sign of cancer. Other findings reflect the type, location, and stage of the tumor and can include fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abnormal bleeding, and a palpable mass.

Crohn's disease.With Crohn's disease, weight loss occurs with chronic cramping, abdominal pain, and anorexia. Other signs and symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, fever, tachycardia, abdominal tenderness and guarding, hyperactive bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and pain. Perianal lesions and a palpable mass in the right or left lower quadrant may also be present.

Cryptosporidiosis.Weight loss may occur with cryptosporidiosis. Other findings include profuse watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, flatulence, anorexia, malaise, fever, nausea, vomiting, and myalgia.

Depression.Weight loss or weight gain may occur with severe depression, along with insomnia or hypersomnia, anorexia, apathy, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. Indecisiveness, incoherence, and suicidal thoughts or behavior may also occur.

Diabetes mellitus.Weight loss may occur with diabetes mellitus, despite increased appetite. Other findings include polydipsia, weakness, fatigue, and polyuria with nocturia.

Esophagitis.Painful inflammation of the esophagus leads to temporary avoidance of eating and subsequent weight loss. Intense pain in the mouth and anterior chest occurs, along with hypersalivation, dysphagia, tachypnea, and hematemesis. If a stricture develops, dysphagia and weight loss will recur.

Gastroenteritis.Malabsorption and dehydration cause weight loss in gastroenteritis. The loss may be sudden in acute viral infections or reactions or gradual in parasitic infection. Other findings include poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, hypotension, diarrhea, abdominal pain and tenderness, hyperactive bowel sounds, nausea, vomiting, fever, and malaise.

Leukemia.Acute leukemia causes progressive weight loss accompanied by severe prostration; high fever; swollen, bleeding gums; and bleeding tendencies. Dyspnea, tachycardia, palpitations, and abdominal or bone pain may occur. As the disease progresses, neurologic symptoms may eventually develop.

Chronic leukemia causes progressive weight loss with malaise, fatigue, pallor, enlarged spleen, bleeding tendencies, anemia, skin eruptions, anorexia, and fever.

Lymphoma.Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cause gradual weight loss. Associated findings include fever, fatigue, night sweats, malaise, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Scaly rashes and pruritus may develop.

Pulmonary tuberculosis.Pulmonary tuberculosis causes gradual weight loss, along with fatigue, weakness, anorexia, night sweats, and low-grade fever. Other clinical effects include a cough with bloody or mucopurulent sputum, dyspnea, and pleuritic chest pain. Examination may reveal dullness on percussion, crackles after coughing, increased tactile fremitus, and amphoric breath sounds.

Stomatitis.Inflammation of the oral mucosa (usually red, swollen, and ulcerated) in stomatitis causes weight loss due to decreased eating. Associated findings include fever, increased salivation, malaise, mouth pain, anorexia, and swollen, bleeding gums.

Thyrotoxicosis.With thyrotoxicosis, increased metabolism causes weight loss. Other characteristic signs and symptoms include nervousness, heat intolerance, diarrhea, increased appetite, palpitations, tachycardia, diaphoresis, fine tremor and, possibly, an enlarged thyroid and exophthalmos. A ventricular or atrial gallop may be heard.

Other causes

Drugs.Amphetamines and inappropriate dosage of thyroid preparations commonly lead to weight loss. Laxative abuse may cause a malabsorptive state that leads to weight loss. Chemotherapeutic agents cause stomatitis or nausea and vomiting, which, when severe, causes weight loss.

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Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007