From macroprolactinoma to concomitant ACTH-PRL hypersecretion with Cushing's disease

J Endocrinol Invest. 2000 Feb;23(2):107-11. doi: 10.1007/BF03343688.

Abstract

Multiple pituitary hormone hypersecretions have been already described, but the combination of PRL and ACTH excess is rare. This report deals with a 42-yr-old woman affected by macroprolactinoma (PRL 12,720 microg/l, huge tumor with extrasellar extension at imaging). After one year on dopaminergic treatment causing PRL normalization and tumor shrinkage, she developed hypercortisolism (UFC 1,000 microg/24 h, ACTH 200 ng/l). Cushing's disease was diagnosed. After neurosurgery (at immunocytochemistry mixed ACTH-PRL adenoma was shown) hypercortisolism remitted, whereas pathological hyperprolactinemia with tumor remnant in cavernous sinus persisted and hypopituitarism developed. The patient reported seems atypical for the following reasons: 1) the concomitant PRL and ACTH hypersecretions; 2) the clinical presentation with hypercortisolism following hyperprolactinemia; 3) the surgical cure of hypercortisolism with persisting hyperprolactinemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / metabolism*
  • Adult
  • Cushing Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Cushing Syndrome / metabolism*
  • Cushing Syndrome / surgery
  • Diabetes Insipidus / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Prolactin / blood
  • Prolactin / metabolism*
  • Prolactinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Prolactinoma / metabolism*
  • Prolactinoma / surgery
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Prolactin