PGIMER Treats 7'7" Tall Jammu & Kashmir Police Officer’s Rare Acromegaly Case

Chandigarh: The Department of Neurosurgery at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) has treated a 35-year-old male patient, a Jammu and Kashmir Police head constable, who had reached a height of 7 feet 7 inches due to a rare and extreme manifestation of acromegaly caused by uncontrolled growth hormone secretion.

The condition was caused by functional pituitary adenomas, hormone-secreting benign tumours of the pituitary gland. PGIMER has successfully treated over 100 cases of acromegaly, a rare achievement.

The tumour removal surgery was performed through the endoscopic transnasal approach, a minimally invasive technique that avoids any incision on the head. The neurosurgery team, led by Dr. Rajesh Chhabra, Dr. Apinderpreet Singh, and Dr. Shilpi Bose, conducted the procedure with support from the neuroanaesthesia team led by Dr. Rajeev Chauhan.

PGIMER Director Prof. Vivek Lal said, “The successful treatment of over 100 complex pituitary tumour cases is a testament to the clinical excellence, precision, and teamwork at PGIMER. These outcomes reinforce our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standard of care through innovation and compassion.”

The head constable had been experiencing increasing joint pain, vision problems, and difficulty with daily activities. He underwent tumour removal via the scarless transnasal route. After surgery, his hormone levels began to normalize, and his symptoms showed marked improvement within weeks.

Dr. Rajeev Chauhan, Additional Professor, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, PGIMER, said, “This was the tallest patient ever operated at PGIMER. His unusual height and weight posed multiple anaesthesia challenges, especially regarding airway access and positioning.” He added, “We conducted a full rehearsal the day before surgery to reconfigure our OT setup, including adjustments to the table and equipment, to ensure safety and precision during the procedure. It was a team effort that reflects PGI’s preparedness to handle even the rarest of medical scenarios.”

Dr. Rajesh Chhabra, Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, PGIMER, explained, “Functional pituitary adenomas are non-cancerous tumours of the pituitary gland that secrete excess hormones, disturbing the body’s hormonal balance.” He added, “Depending on the hormone involved, the condition can cause a variety of symptoms, abnormal growth of hands and feet (acromegaly), weight gain and facial puffiness (Cushing’s disease), and breast discharge with irregular periods in women not pregnant (prolactinoma).”

“Often silent in early stages, these tumours can lead to serious complications if not diagnosed and treated promptly,” he said.

He advised people experiencing abnormal growth patterns, menstrual changes, or unexplained weight gain to seek medical evaluation to rule out hormonal imbalances and pituitary disorders.

The institute said that with timely medical or surgical intervention, including advanced options like Gamma Knife radiosurgery, patients can expect full recovery and restored quality of life.

(with inputs from PTI)