Macroprolactinoma clival ectópico: una forma rara de presentación de adenoma hipofisario / Ectopic clival macroprolactinoma: a rare presentation of pituitary adenoma

Los adenomas pituitarios son los tumores hipofisarios más frecuentes siendo una entidad rara cuando se trata de adenomas ectópicos, es decir, sin conexión con la glándula pituitaria. Se cree que derivan de células residuales del tracto de migración embriológico desde la bolsa de Rathke. Su presentación clínica es muy variable porque depende de la producción hormonal y del efecto masa en estructuras adyacentes. Generalmente suponen un reto diagnóstico debido a su baja frecuencia, la clínica variable de presentación y que no presentan características específicas en las pruebas de imagen. Generalmente el diagnóstico se realiza de manera retrospectiva tras la resección quirúrgica. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 56 años que se presentó con unos valores de prolactina de 6647.5 ng/ml (2.2-17.7) con clínica de hipogonadismo aislada que se resolvió con tratamiento médico sin precisar resección quirúrgica, con una disminución de la densidad radiológica y estabilización del tamaño y sin clínica compresiva ni alteración visual.

Pituitary adenomas are the most common hypophyseal tumors being a rare entity when they are ectopic, without connection to the pituitary gland. They are thought to arise from residual cells in the migration tract from Rathke´s pouch. Its clinical presentation is variable depending on the hormonal production and the pressure effect on adjacent structures. They usually are a diagnostic challenge due to their low frequency, wide range of clinical presentation and not showing specific features on imaging techniques. The diagnosis is made usually retrospectively after surgical resection. We report the case of a 56 years old male that presented with a prolactine value of 6647.5 ng/ml (2.2-17.7) and isolated hypogonadism symptoms that resolved with medical treatment without surgery, diminishing the radiological density and stabilizing the size without having compresive symptoms nor visual disturbances.

Mean platelet volume in patients with prolactinoma

ABSTRACT Objective Prolactin is a multifunctional pituitary hormone. The effect of prolactin on platelet activation is not well understood. Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary adenomas, and they are medically responsive to dopamine agonists. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a marker of platelet function and activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate MPV values before and 6 months of cabergoline treatment when normoprolactinemia was achieved. Subjects and methods A total of 101 newly diagnosed prolactinoma patients and 102 healthy control subjects were included in the study. Patients with hematological disorders that affect MPV and those on medications were excluded. Prolactin, platelet count and MPV levels were recorded before and 6 months after the initiation of cabergoline treatment (0.5 to 1 mg, two times a week). Results There was no significant difference in platelet count and MPV before and after 6 months of treatment with cabergoline in patients with prolactinoma compared with the control group (p > 0.05). Conclusion Our results showed that MPV, a marker of platelet function, was unchanged in patients with prolactinoma.

Prolactinomas: evolution after menopause

ABSTRACT Objetive The aim was to assess the evolution of tumor size and prolactin (PRL) levels in patients with micro and macroprolactinomas diagnosed and treated with dopamine agonists during fertile age, and the effects of suspension of drugs after menopause. Retrospective study, 29 patients with prolactinomas, 22 microadenomas and 7 macroadenomas, diagnosed during their fertile age were studied in their menopause; treatment was stopped in this period. Age at menopause was 49 ± 3.6 years. The average time of treatment was 135 ± 79 months. The time of follow-up after treatment suspension was 4 to 192 months. Results Pre-treatment PRL levels in micro and macroadenomas were 119 ± 57 ng/mL and 258 ± 225 ng/mL, respectively. During menopause after treatment suspension, and at the latest follow-up: in microadenomas PRL levels were 23 ± 13 ng/mL and 16 ± 5.7 ng/mL, respectively; in macroadenomas, PRL levels were 20 ± 6.6 ng/mL 5t5and 25 ± 18 ng/mL, respectively. In menopause after treatment suspension, the microadenomas had disappeared in 9/22 and had decreased in 13/22. In the group of patients whose tumor had decreased, in the latest follow-up, tumors disappeared in 7/13 and remained unchanged in 6/13. In macroadenomas, after treatment suspension 3/7 had disappeared, 3/7 decreased and 1/7 remained unchanged. In the latest control in the 3 patients whose tumor decreased, disappeared in 1/3, decreased in 1/3 and there was no change in the remaining. Conclusions Normal PRL levels and sustained reduction or disappearance of adenomas were achieved in most of patients, probably due to the decrease of estrogen levels. Dopamine agonists might be stopped after menopause in patients with prolactinomas.

Tratamento de macroprolactinoma com cabergolina em adolescente / An adolescent patient with prolactinoma treated with cabergoline

OBJETIVO: Relatar um caso de macroprolactinoma diagnosticado em adolescente e tratado com cabergolina. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 15 anos, iniciou quadro clínico aos dez anos, com cefaleia, obesidade e não havia apresentado menarca ao diagnóstico. A dosagem sérica inicial de prolactina foi de 2492ng/mL (valor de referência: 19-25ng/mL). A ressonância nuclear magnética de crânio evidenciou formação expansiva selar e suprasselar compatível com macroadenoma hipofisário sem compressão do quiasma óptico. Seis meses após o início do tratamento com cabergolina, houve queda significativa dos níveis séricos de prolactina para 87,7ng/mL, com redução de 76 por cento no tamanho da lesão e melhora sintomática. COMENTÁRIOS: A ocorrência dos prolactinomas é rara na infância e na adolescência, mas o seu comportamento pode ser mais agressivo. O diagnóstico precoce e o manejo adequado do caso são importantes para um bom prognóstico.

OBJECTIVE: To report a teenager with macroprolactinoma treated with cabergoline. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 15-year old female adolescent reported the onset of headaches and obesity since ten years old. At diagnosis amenorrhea was not present. The serum level of prolactin was initially 2492ng/mL (reference values: 19-25ng/mL). Magnetic resonance images of the skull revealed an expansive sellar and suprasellar pituitary macroadenoma without optical chiasmal compression. Six months after starting treatment with cabergoline, there was a significant decrease of prolactin levels to 87.7 ng/mL, with a 76 percent reduction in the lesion size and she reported improvement of the symptoms. COMMENTS: In childhood and adolescence, prolactinomas are rare, but when they occur the clinical course is more aggressive. Early diagnosis and proper management of the disease are important for a good prognosis.

Recovery pattern of hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis in patients with macroprolactinomas after treatment with cabergoline.

Background & objectives: Hyperprolactinaemia affects testicular functions by influencing hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis at various levels. Available literature on the level of defect, time course of improvement of gonadal functions and its relation with decline in prolactin levels is scanty. We carried out this study to evaluate the HPT axis in patients with macroprolactinomas, before and six months after cabergoline therapy. Methods: Fifteen men with macroprolactinomas underwent gonadotropin and testosterone response to their respective stimuli before and after six months of cabergoline therapy. Results: Serum prolactin levels decreased after six months of therapy. Pretreatment, mean lutenizing and follicle stimulating hormones (LH and FSH) levels were 2.0 ± 0.4 and 1.4 ± 0.2 IU/l, respectively. However, LH and FSH responses to GnRH were preserved in majority of the patients and LH peaked to 12.1 ± 2.3 IU/l (P<0.01), while FSH to 2.9 ± 0.4 IU/l suggesting the influence of hyperprolactinaemia at the level of hypothalamus with preserved gonadotrope reserve. After cabergoline therapy, there was an increase in basal as well as stimulated LH and FSH levels, though these were not statistically significant when compared to respective pretherapy levels. Basal testosterone (T) levels significantly improved after therapy, but peak T response to hCG was similar at both pre- and post treatment. A significant correlation was observed between peak LH and peak T at baseline (r=0.53, P<0.01) and it further strengthened after therapy (r=0.70, P<0.01). After cabergoline therapy, there was significant improvement in seminal volume, sperm count and motility and sperm count correlated with peak FSH response (r=0.53, P<0.05). Interpretation & conclusions: Hyperprolactinaemia affects testicular functions probably by influencing at the level of hypothalamus resulting in subnormal basal secretion of gonadotropins required for optimal testicular functions.

Biochemical acromegaly in patients with prolactinoma during treatment with dopaminergic agonists / Acromegalia bioquímica em pacientes com prolactinoma em tratamento com agonistas dopaminérgicos

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of subclinical acromegaly (in the absence of clinical phenotype but biochemically uncontrolled) in patients with prolactinoma during treatment with dopaminergic agonists. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty one patients without a phenotype suggestive of acromegaly were studied. RESULTS: Initially, the laboratory diagnosis of acromegaly was unequivocal (elevated IGF-1 for gender and age with nadir GH > 1 μg/L) in two patients, and likely (elevated IGF-1 with nadir GH > cut-off but < 1 μg/L) in another patient. In two other patients, this diagnosis was possible (normal IGF-1 with nadir GH > 1 μg/L). Repetition of the tests 6 months after withdrawal of the dopaminergic agonist confirmed the diagnosis of subclinical acromegaly (elevated IGF-1 for gender and age with nadir GH > 1 μg/L) in these 5 patients. False-positive results were excluded in all cases. CONCLUSION: In patients with prolactinomas, acromegaly should be investigated not only in cases with a clinical phenotype.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a frequência de acromegalia subclínica (na ausência de fenótipo clínico, mas bioquimicamente não controlada) em pacientes com prolactinoma em tratamento com agonistas dopaminérgicos. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Cento e vinte e um pacientes sem fenótipo de acromegalia foram estudados. RESULTADOS: Inicialmente, o diagnóstico laboratorial de acromegalia foi inequívoco (IGF-1 elevado para sexo e idade com nadir do GH > 1 μg/L) em dois pacientes, e provável (IGF-1 elevado com nadir do GH > valor de corte ensaio-específico mas < 1 μg/L) em outro paciente. Em outros dois, esse diagnóstico foi possível (IGF-1 normal com nadir do GH > 1 μg/L). A repetição dos testes seis meses após a suspensão dos agonistas dopaminérgicos confirmou o diagnóstico de acromegalia subclínica (IGF-1 elevado para sexo e idade com nadir do GH > 1 μg/L) em cinco desses pacientes. Os resultados falso-positivos foram excluídos em todos os casos. CONCLUSÃO: Em pacientes com prolactinomas, a acromegalia deveria ser investigada não apenas nos casos com fenótipo clínico.

Efficacy of cabergoline on rapid escalation of dose in men with macroprolactinomas.

Background & objectives: Since cabergoline has a long half-life and sustained occupancy of dopamine (D2) receptors in lactotrophs, its doses are slowly built up either monthly or two monthly. This possibly results in delayed normalization of serum prolactin and slow reduction in tumour size. This study was planned to assess the efficacy and safety of rapid escalation of cabergoline doses in men with macroprolactinomas. Materials: Fifteen consecutive men with macroprolactinomas underwent evaluation for anterior pituitary functions, visual fields, quality of life (QOL) score and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), at baseline and after 6 months of cabergoline therapy. Serum prolactin and testosterone levels were assessed at monthly intervals. Cabergoline was started at a dosage of 0.5 mg twice per week and increased to 1.5 mg twice per week (3 mg ) by the third week, as 3 mg is usually considered as effective dose. Subsequent increase in doses was done as per protocol. Results: The mean age of patients at presentation was 31.7 ± 3.3 yr and duration of symptoms was 25.0 ± 3.6 months. Serum prolactin at baseline was 6249.3 ± 3259.2 μg/l with a tumour volume of 28.9 ± 8.3 cm3. Eighty six per cent of the patients had visual field defects while 53 per cent had decreased visual acuity. The mean dose of cabergoline required was 3.2 mg/wk. Symptoms improved in majority (93%) of patients after four weeks of cabergoline therapy with a dramatic fall in serum prolactin by 99 per cent from 6249.3 ± 3259.2 to 46.9 ± 14.9 μg/l and it was normalized in 93 per cent of the patients by 8.2 wk. Improvement in visual field defects was noted in all but one, after one month and there was further improvement at 6 months. All patients had >25 per cent reduction in tumour size, and 73 per cent had > 50 per cent reduction after six months of cabergoline therapy. Basal circulating testosterone levels were low in 11 (73%) patients and started improving from first month of cabergoline therapy and became normal in around half of the patients after 6 months. No major side effects were observed requiring discontinuation of cabergoline therapy. Interpretation & conclusions: Our preliminary findings show that rapid build-up of cabergoline doses increases its efficacy as well as rapidity of response in terms clinical improvement, normalization of serum prolactin and gonadal functions and reduction in tumour size, without compromising its safety in men with macroprolactinomas. Further studies with a larger sample size and control group for comparison need to be done to confirm these findings.

Utilidad de la cabergolina en pacientes portadores de prolactinoma resistentes o intolerantes a bromocriptina / Usefulness of cabergoline in patients with prolactinemia and resistant or intolerant to bromocriptine

Introducción: La terapia de elección de los prolactinomas son los agonistas dopaminérgicos, cuyo principal exponente es la bromocriptina, sin embargo, hay pacientes que no responden o presentan severos efectos secundarios (resistentes o intolerantes a bromocriptina, respectivamente). El objetivo en este estudio fue valorar la respuesta al uso de cabergolina en pacientes con prolactinomas, intolerantes o resistentes a bromocriptina Material y métodos: Se estudiaron 27 pacientes (25 mujeres y dos varones) en quienes se realizó determinación basal de prolactina y cada mes hasta completar tres meses, registrando los datos asociados a hiperprolactinemia y los efectos secundarios. La dosis inicial fue de 0.25 mg los lunes y jueves durante la primera semana, y 0.5 mg a partir de la segunda. El análisis estadístico incluyó la prueba de Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis y Anova. Resultados: 22 pacientes presentaron microadenomas y cinco macroadenomas. En los intolerantes (n = 11) el valor inicial de prolactina de 61.45 ± 19.82 disminuyó al tercer mes a 4.94 ± 1.79 (p < 0.024). En los resistentes (n = 16), el valor basal fue 119.53 ± 11.52; 15 pacientes redujeron significativamente a 12.95 ± 3.66 (p < 0.005) al tercer mes de tratamiento. En ambos, los signos atribuibles a la hiperprolactinemia mejoraron significativamente, con poca incidencia de efectos secundarios. Conclusiones: La cabergolina es útil en la mayoría de los pacientes considerados intolerantes o resistentes a la bromocriptina.

BACKGROUND: Dopaminergic agonists are the treatment of choice for prolactinomas with bromocriptine (BCE) being the primary agent used. There is a group of patients who are not responders to such therapy or have severe side effects (resistant or intolerant to BCE, respectively). We undertook this study to evaluate the response to the administration of cabergoline (CBG) in patients intolerant or resistant to BCE. METHODS: Twenty seven patients (25 females and 2 males) were recruited with prolactin-pituitary tumors, obtaining basal serum prolactin (PRL) samples and again each month up to 3 months. We recorded signs associated with hyperprolactinemia and secondary effects of CBG. The initial dose was 0.25 mg twice weekly during the first week, with an increase to 0.5 mg twice weekly from the second week until the conclusion of the study. Statistical analysis included Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA tests. RESULTS: Twenty two patients had microadenomas and five had macroadenomas. In the intolerant group (n= 11), the initial PRL value (61.45 +/- 19.82) decreased by the third month to 4.94 +/- 1.79 (p<0.024). In the resistant group (n= 16), basal PRL values were 119.53 +/- 11.52. In 15 of these patients, the PRL value significantly decreased to 12.95 +/- 3.66 ng/ml (p<0.005) by the third month of treatment. In both groups the signs related to hyperprolactinemia significantly improved, with a low incidence of secondary effects due to CBG. CONCLUSIONS: CBG is useful in most patients considered as intolerant or resistant to BCE.

Efficacy and Safety of Cabergoline as First Line Treatment for Invasive Giant Prolactinoma

Although cabergoline is effective in the treatment of micro- and macro-prolactinoma, little is known about its efficacy in the treatment of invasive giant prolactinoma. We investigated the efficacy and safety of cabergoline in 10 male patients with invasive giant prolactinoma. Before treatment, mean serum prolactin level was 11,426 ng/mL (range, 1,450-33,200 ng/mL) and mean maximum tumor diameter was 51 mm (range, 40-77 mm). Three months after initiation of cabergoline treatment, serum prolactin concentrations decreased more than 97% in 9 patients; at last follow-up (mean treatment duration, 19 months), the mean decrease in serum prolactin concentrations was 98%, with 5 patients having normal serum prolactin levels. At first MRI follow-up (3-12 months after initiation of cabergoline), the mean reduction in tumor size was 85+/-4% (range, 57-98%). Cabergoline treatment for more than 12 months caused a greater reduction in tumor size compared to the treatment for less than 12 months (97+/-1% vs. 78+/-7%, P<0.05). These findings indicate that cabergoline treatment led to a significant and rapid reduction in serum prolactin concentrations and tumor size in patients with giant prolactinoma. Therefore, cabergoline represents an effective and well-tolerated treatment for invasive giant prolactinoma.

Prolactin-producing adenoma. clinical presentation in adult Sudanese patients

To describe the clinical features of prolactin-producing pituitary adenoma [prolactinoma] in adult patients. In a prospective hospital-based study, adult patients with prolactinoma presenting to the National Center for Neurological diseases and the National Center for cancer in Khartoum, Sudan were enrolled in the period from January 2001 to February 2005. The diagnosis was based on finding a pituitary adenoma on cranial MRI and an associated elevated blood prolactin level above 200 micro g/L. The size of the adenoma was classified as either microadenoma [<10 mm without sellar enlargement or extrasellar extension] or macroadenoma [>/= 10 mm]. The hormone profile done on each patient included blood level of prolactin and other pituitary trophic hormones, free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine hormones. Sixteen [14 females and 2 males] were identified as having a prolactinoma. The female to male ratio was 7:1. Their mean age was 24 +/- 5.1 years. The prolactinoma was inacroadenoma in 9 cases and microademoma in 7. Galactorrhea, amenorrhea and infertility [primary or secondary] were the commonest presenting symptom followed by headache. Affection of the visual pathway, either as bitemporal hemianopia [41.2%] or optic atrophy [11.8%], was the major neurological deficit. The mean prolactin level in macroadenoma was 2053 +/- 442.6 micro g/L and in microadenoma was 853.6 +/- 77.8 micro g/L. Our prolactinoma patients, when reaching the appropriate medical attention, are more likely having an expanded macroadeoma that is compromising the visual pathway. Early recognition and referral to specialized clinics is necessary and that should have a favorable prognostic implication

Discordância entre IGF-1 e GH pós-sobrecarga de glicose no rastreamento de acromegalia em paciente com macroprolactinoma: relato de caso e revisão sobre o tema / Discrepancy between IGF-1 and GH during 75 g oral glucose tolerance test measures to acromegaly screening in a patient with macroprolactinoma: case report and literature review

Neste artigo, descrevemos o caso de um paciente com diagnóstico de macroprolactinoma, que apresentava valores discordantes entre IGF-1 (elevado) e GH (hormônio de crescimento) pós-teste de tolerância oral à glicose (normal) realizados para pesquisa de co-secreção de GH pelo tumor. Houve normalização dos níveis de prolactina após uso de bromocriptina, porém, durante o acompanhamento, o paciente persistiu com níveis elevados de IGF-1 sem clínica aparente, sugerindo tratar-se de possível forma subclínica de acromegalia. Após o desenvolvimento de novos métodos laboratoriais, mais sensíveis, para a dosagem de GH, casos de discordância entre esses testes vêm sendo observados, levando alguns autores a sugerir que o nadir de GH pós-teste de tolerância à glicose oral (TTGO) para diagnóstico e tratamento da acromegalia pode ser bem menor do que o limite considerado atualmente (1,2). Assim, se isto for confirmado, casos subclínicos ou oligossintomáticos de acromegalia serão diagnosticados mais precocemente.

We describe a patient with macroprolactinoma and discrepant insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) concentration (elevated) and growth hormone (GH) values during a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (normal), that were measured to evaluate the co-secretion of GH by tumor. With the bromocriptin use, the patient achieved normalization of prolactin, but persisted with high levels of IGF1, suggesting to be subclinical acromegaly. After the development of new more sensitive GH assays, cases of discrepant GH and IGF-1 results have been observed and taken to some authors to suggest that GH nadir concentration during 75 g OGTT used to acromegaly diagnosis and treatment could be lower than values considered currently normal. Thus, if this is confirmed, subclinical and oligosymptomatic acromegaly cases could have earlier diagnoses.

complicated case of prolactinoma

The clinical course of a forty-two year old lady who was diagnosed having pituitary prolactinoma, treated with dopaminergic agonists, surgery and radiation therapy is presented. This report describes the clinical progression, laboratory and imaging findings and treatments offered throughout the course

Prolactinomas resistentes a agonistas dopaminérgicos: diagnóstico e manejo / Dopamine-agonists-resistant prolactinomas: diagnosis and management

Prolactinomas são os tumores hipofisários funcionantes mais freqüentes, sendo as drogas agonistas dopaminérgicas (AD) a principal opção para seu tratamento. Resistência à bromocriptina (BRC), primeiro AD a ser utilizado, definida como ausência de normalização da prolactina (PRL) ou de redução tumoral durante o tratamento, é relatada em 5 a 18 por cento dos pacientes tratados. Novos AD, como a cabergolina (CBG), são alternativa eficaz já que podem normalizar a PRL e reduzir tumores em até 86 por cento e 92 por cento dos casos, respectivamente. Mesmo assim, uma porcentagem dos pacientes pode ser chamada de resistente aos AD. Os mecanismos para a resistência ainda não são completamente elucidados e, embora pouco freqüentes, os prolactinomas resistentes aos AD representam um desafio para o tratamento. As alternativas como cirurgia e radioterapia podem não alcançar a normalização da PRL e, portanto, não resolver os sintomas ligados à hiperprolactinemia. Tratamento do hipogonadismo com reposição de esteróides sexuais, assim como estimulação ovulatória quando o desejo for a gravidez, podem ser alternativas para casos com crescimento tumoral controlado. Novas drogas como anti-estrógenos, novos AD, análogos específicos de subtipos do receptor da somatostatina, drogas quiméricas com ação no receptor da somatostatina e da dopamina e antagonistas da PRL estão sendo estudados e podem representar alternativas futuras ao tratamento deste grupo de pacientes.

Cabergolina como alternativa no tratamento clínico de prolactinonas: experiência na intolerância/resistência à bromocriptina / Cabergoline as an alternative in prolactinomas clinical treatment: experience in the bromocriptine intolerance/resistance

Cabergolina (CAB, Pharmacia) é um agonista dopaminérgico derivado do ergot com longa ação após administração oral, que já tem demonstrado ser de utilidade para o tratamento da hiperprolactinemia. Quarenta e cinco pacientes (36 mulheres, 9 homens) com prolactinomas (27 micro, 18 macro), intolerantes e/ou resistentes à bromocriptina (BRC) foram tratados com dose semanal de CAB de 0,25 a 7mg (mediana: 1mg) dividida de 1 a 7 administrações. O tratamento, em compassionate basis, variou de 1 a 38 meses (mediana: 12 meses). Entre os 38 pacientes com intolerância persistente à BRC (sintomas digestivos, n=27; hipotensão postural, n=13; congestão nasal, n=5; manifestações psiquiátricas, n=4; retenção urinária, n=1), somente 5 permaneceram intolerantes à CAB (sintomas digestivos, n=2; hipotensão postural, n=2; congestão nasal, n=1). Todos aqueles que toleraram bem a BRC também o fizeram com CAB. Onze casos alcançaram normalização da prolactina durante o uso de BRC. Estes pacientes e outros 19 também resolveram a hiperprolactinemia com CAB. Entretanto, somente 3 dos 7 pacientes resistentes (dose diária de BRC de 10 a 25mg) tiveram a prolactina sérica normalizada durante o uso de CAB. Redução tumoral foi documentada por ressonância mag-nética ou tomografia computadorizada em 7 macroprolactinomas durante o tratamento com CAB. Assim, devido à sua excelente eficácia, tolerabilidade e comodidade posológica, a CAB apresenta-se como importante alternativa no tratamento clínico dos prolactinomas.

Adenomas hipofisarios en adolescentes / Pituitary adenomas in adolescence

Presentamos una serie de 48 pacientes (de 14 a 20 años) con adenoma hipofisario. De éstos, 46 (96 por ciento) presentaban tumores secretantes, 3 enfermedad de Cushing, 9 somatotrofinomas y 34 (29 mujeres y 5 hombres) prolactinomas. Treinta casos fueron diagnosticados como adenomas intraselares (62 por ciento) mientras los restantes 18 (38 por ciento) presentaron expansión extraselar. De los 9 pacientes acromegálicos, 7 desarrollaron bioquímica y clínica típica de la enfermedad mientras 2 fueron exclusivamente diagnosticadas con niveles de GH basales normales, pero pruebas dinámicas anormales. Los prolactinomas fueron no invasivos en mujeres y de crecimiento rápido y de mayor tamaño en hombres. Cuarenta y siete pacientes fueron sometidos a cirugía. Cinco de ellos requirieron craneotomía y el resto fueron abordados por víatranseptoesfenoidal (TSE). Se consiguió remisión de la enfermedad de Cushing, acromegalia y prolactinoma intraselar femeninos. Los resultados en tumores mayores tales como los adenomas no secretantes y prolactinomas masculinos fueron malos luego de haber sido tratados mediante una resección subtotal y los disturbios endocrinológicos persistieron. Nuestros hallazgos demuestran que estos tumores son más agresivos en los jóvenes que en los adultos. Como hubo una estrecha relación entre el tamaño del tumor, su invasividad y el resultado final del paciente, concluímos que el diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento son esenciales. Las frecuentes consultas de adolescentes tales como menstruaciones irregulares, retraso puberal y alteraciones de crecimiento deberían ser investigadas cuidadosamente y no simplemente consideradas como hechos transitorios o funcionales

Prolactinoma resistente a Bromocriptina: informe de un caso / Prolactinoma resistent to bromocriptine

El adenoma hipofisario más frecuente es el prolactinoma. Esta patología de evolución usualmente benigna, se acompaña de amenorrea, galactorrea y/o síntomas por efecto de masa. Responde en forma muy efectiva a la bromocriptina, agonista dopaminérgico, disminuyendo la prolactina sérica a valores normales con desaparición de la galactorrea y permite recuperar el ciclo mestrual normal. Además tiene otros efectos como disminuir el tamaño de la masa tumoral. En el presente artículo se analiza el caso de una paciente de 22 años que inició control en el Hospital San Juan de Dios a los 17 años por amenorrea primaria, razón por la que fue sometida a cirugía por un prolactinoma resistente a bromocriptina. Palabras claves: Prolactinoma, Ago-nista Dopaminérgico, Bromocriptina, Resistencia a Tratamiento

Tratamiento de la Hiperprolactinemia en la mujer / Treatment of hyperprolactinemia in women

La hiperprolactinemia ocupa un lugar importante entre las causas de infertilidad, trastornos menstruales y galactorrea en la mujer, por ello nuestro interés en este trabajo fue presentar una revisión de las diferentes opciones terapéuticas de la hiperprolactinemia. Se plantea que la bromocriptina ha sido el medicamento de mayor uso y que actúa estimulando directamente los receptores dopaminérgicos D2 de las células hipofisarias. Se hace referencia a otros agonistas dopaminérgicos propuestos como lisurida, tergurida, metergolina, quinagolida, cabergolina, pergolida. Se destaca la relevancia clínica, por su buena tolerancia y actividad biológica sostenida, de la cabergolina y la quinagolida (CV-205-502). El riesgo tan reducido del crecimiento tumoral durante el embarazo en pacientes con microadenomas permite suspender el tratamiento con agonistas dopaminérgicos en cuanto se confirma el embarazo, pero se deberá reiniciar en caso de complicaciones neurológicas durante el mismo. Como conclusión, existe un consenso general de que el tratamiento medicamentoso es la primera opción en los pacientes con prolactinoma, la cirugía hipofisaria estaría indicada en pacientes según criterios muy seleccionados y el embarazo no está contraindicado en la mayoría de las pacientes

Tratamiento médico de los tumores hipofisiarios productores de prolactina y hormona de crecimiento / Medical treatment of prolactin and growth hormone secreting pituitary tumors

Advances in medical treatment of prolactinomas and acromegaly in the last 20 years are analyzed. Dopaminergic drugs as bromocriptine, lisuride, pergolide and terguride successfully control hyperprolactinemia, reduce tumor size and cause clinical improvement. New long lasting medications with less adverse effects such as cabergoline, with oral weekly administration, and the repeatable monthy injectable form of bromocriptine (Parlodel LAR, Sandoz) may be the treatment of choice for prolactinomas. Dopaminergic medications are less effective in acromegaly. The higher doses required induce more collateral effects. An important step has been the incorporation of long lasting somatostatin analogues such as octreotide (for sbc use tid) intramuscular every 28 days injectable Sandostatin LAR and lanreotide SR (Somatuline, Ipsen Biotech), injectable every 10 to 14 days. Medical treatment of acromegaly is not, at the present, an alternative to surgery. However, the development of long lasting specific drugs may become, in the future, the choice or an alternative in the treatment of acromegaly