Final answer:
The suspected diagnosis of acromegaly, suggested by the patient's symptoms, is clarified by evaluating GH and IGF-1 levels, an oral glucose tolerance test, and imaging studies such as MRI to identify any pituitary tumors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The patient with coarse facial features and enlarged fingers, along with reduced ejection fraction (EF), might be suspected of having acromegaly. Acromegaly is a disorder in adults caused when abnormally high levels of growth Hormone (GH) trigger the growth of bones in the face, hands, and feet. Excessive production of GH after the age of full skeletal growth, typically due to an adenohypophyseal tumor, results in characteristic features such as a broadened skull and thickened soft tissue of the nose, lips, forehead, and scalp.
Diagnostic steps for acromegaly include measuring GH levels and IGF-1 levels, and conducting an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), wherein the inability for glucose to suppress GH production is a key finding. Imaging studies, particularly MRI, are useful in identifying pituitary tumors. Additional tests may be warranted based on the individual's symptoms and health assessment, such as monitoring for associated conditions like hyperglycemia or cardiovascular complications.