Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

A patient with a history of a slow-growing mandible for the past 10 years is indicative of which condition?

1. Acromegaly

2. Hyper Pituitarism

3. Hypopituitarism

4. Cushing's syndrome

The correct answer is: Hyper Pituitarism

The scenario describes a patient with a slow-growing mandible over a prolonged period, which is most indicative of hyperpituitarism, commonly associated with conditions like acromegaly. Hyperpituitarism results from an excess of growth hormone, often due to a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, leading to gradual bone growth and enlargement of facial structures, including the mandible. In acromegaly, specifically, this condition manifests after growth plate closure, typically in adults, resulting in the overgrowth of bones and soft tissues. The slow and progressive nature of the mandibular enlargement aligns well with hyperpituitarism, emphasizing a longer-term hormonal influence rather than acute conditions or metabolic disorders, which might present differently in terms of symptoms and progression. The other choices pertain to different hormonal imbalances or conditions that would not typically underline a long-term growth in the mandible in the same manner as hyperpituitarism. For instance, while Cushing's syndrome could lead to changes in body shape and appearance, it primarily affects fat distribution and has different clinical manifestations than those seen in hyperpituitarism.