Gigantism (Greek: γίγας, gígas, "giant", plural γίγαντες, gígantes), also known as giantism, is a condition characterized by excessive growth and height significantly above average. In humans, this condition is caused by over-production of growth hormone in childhood, resulting in people 2.4 to 2.7 m (8.0 to 9.0 ft) in height.It is a rare disorder resulting from increased levels of growth hormone before the fusion of the growth plate which usually occurs at some point soon after puberty. This increase is most often due to abnormal tumor growths on the pituitary gland. Gigantism should not be confused with acromegaly, the adult form of the disorder, characterized by somatic enlargement specifically in the extremities and face. Cause
Gigantism is characterized by an excess of growth hormone (GH). The excess of growth hormone that brings about gigantism is virtually always caused by pituitary growths (adenomas). These adenomas are on the anterior pituitary gland. They can also cause overproduction of GHs hypothalamic precursor known as growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH).As a result of the excessive amounts of growth hormone, children achieve heights that are well above normal ranges. The specific age of onset for gigantism varies between patients and gender, but the common age that excessive growth symptoms start to appear has been found to be around 13 years. Other health complications, such as hypertension, may occur in pediatric patients with hyper-secretion of growth hormone.
Cause
Maffucci syndrome is most commonly caused by mutations in the IDH1 or IDH2 gene. Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis
In Ollier disease isolated enchondromas are present without the presence of hemangiomas. Management
Management entails careful examination and monitoring for malignant degenerations. Surgical interventions can correct or minimize deformities. See also
Ollier disease
Njolstad syndrome
List of cutaneous conditions
List of radiographic findings associated with cutaneous conditions

References
External links
Malfucci syndrome at Genetics Home Reference
Gupta N, Kabra M (February 2007). "Maffucci syndrome" (PDF). Indian Pediatr. 44 (2): 149–50. PMID 17351310.