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Yao H, Rui W, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Lin S, Tang H, Zhao W, Wu Z. Prolactin-Secreting Lung Adenocarcinoma Metastatic to the Pituitary Mimicking a Prolactinoma: A Case Report. Neurosurgery 2020; 85:E773-E778. [PMID: 30137505 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyy386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Metastasis to the pituitary gland is uncommon in patients with systemic disseminated cancer. Individual articles have reported cases of pituitary metastasis mimicking a prolactinoma, but no case of a prolactin-secreting tumor metastasizing to the pituitary mimicking a prolactinoma has been reported so far. CLINICAL PRESENTATION This article reports a 67-yr-old man with a recent onset of headaches, ophthalmoplegia, hypopituitarism, and hyperprolactinemia who was initially diagnosed with prolactinoma and given bromocriptine in the local hospital. Because of vomiting after taking drugs, he was transferred to our hospital for further diagnosis and treatment. Serum prolactin was elevated up to 1022 ng/mL, and pituitary magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 2.9 × 2.8 × 2.3 cm sellar mass with pituitary apoplexy, for which endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery was performed. Postoperative pathology and western blotting disclosed a prolactin-positive metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Whole exome sequencing revealed a number of gene mutations including KRAS, PIK3CA, ALK, and CTNNB1. The patient died of deterioration of the lung disease 3 mo after the initial diagnosis. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a prolactin-secreting tumor metastasizing to the pituitary mimicking a prolactinoma as confirmed by both immunohistochemistry and western blot. Prolactin secretion is rare and elusive, and may associate with specified gene mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumor, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Rui
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yanting Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shaojian Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumor, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiguo Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumor, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhebao Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumor, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Berkmann S, Fischer I, Sonderegger B, Fischli S, Fandino J. Sellar Toxoplasmosis and Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenoma. World Neurosurg 2015; 84:1495.e1-4. [PMID: 26026632 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2015.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sellar toxoplasmosis is associated with congenital infections or immunodeficiency. The finding of Toxoplasma bradycysts in a pituitary adenoma is very unusual. CASE DESCRIPTION An otherwise healthy 27-year-old woman presented with secondary amenorrhea and moderately elevated prolactin levels. A macroprolactinoma was suspected on magnetic resonance imaging, and cabergoline was initiated. Although dopamine levels decreased, the tumor did not show significant shrinkage; after 2 years, transsphenoidal resection was indicated to clarify the diagnosis and to cure hyperprolactinemia. Histology showed an inactive pituitary adenoma and Toxoplasma bradycysts. Seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii, but neither immunodeficiency nor intracerebral spread, was found. During a postoperative follow-up period of 15 months, the patient did not show any recurrence. CONCLUSIONS Sellar toxoplasmosis in conjunction with pituitary adenoma is extremely rare. Nonfunctioning lesions should be suspected in cases of sellar masses and moderate hyperprolactinemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Berkmann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland.
| | - Ingeborg Fischer
- Department of Pathology, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Beat Sonderegger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Kantonsspital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Fischli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Javier Fandino
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
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Vilar L, Fleseriu M, Bronstein MD. Challenges and pitfalls in the diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 58:9-22. [PMID: 24728159 DOI: 10.1590/0004-2730000003002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The definition of the etiology of hyperprolactinemia often represents a great challenge and an accurate diagnosis is paramount before treatment. Although prolactin levels > 200-250 ng/mL are highly suggestive of prolactinomas, they can occasionally be found in other conditions. Moreover, as much as 25% of patients with microprolactinomas may present prolactin levels < 100 ng/mL, which are found in most patients with pseudoprolactinomas, drug-induced hyperprolactinemia, or systemic diseases. On the other hand, some conditions may lead to falsely low PRL levels, particularly the so-called hook effect, that is an assay artifact caused by an extremely high level of PRL, and can be confirmed by repeating assay after a 1:100 serum sample dilution. The hook effect must be considered in all patients with large pituitary adenomas and PRL levels within the normal range or only modestly elevated (e.g., < 200 ng/mL). An overlooked hook effect may lead to incorrect diagnosis and unnecessary surgical intervention in patients with prolactinomas. Another important challenge is macroprolactinemia, a common finding that needs to be identified, as it usually requires no treatment. Although most macroprolactinemic patients are asymptomatic, many of them may present galactorrhea or menstrual disorders, as well as neuroradiological abnormalities, due to the concomitance of other diseases. Finally, physicians should be aware that pituitary incidentalomas are found in at least 10% of adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Vilar
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Maria Fleseriu
- Departments of Medicine and Neurological Surgery, Northwest Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Marcello D Bronstein
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Vilar L, Freitas MC, Naves LA, Casulari LA, Azevedo M, Montenegro R, Barros AI, Faria M, Nascimento GC, Lima JG, Nóbrega LH, Cruz TP, Mota A, Ramos A, Violante A, Lamounier Filho A, Gadelha MR, Czepielewski MA, Glezer A, Bronstein MD. Diagnosis and management of hyperprolactinemia: results of a Brazilian multicenter study with 1234 patients. J Endocrinol Invest 2008; 31:436-44. [PMID: 18560262 DOI: 10.1007/bf03346388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and laboratorial features of 1234 patients with different etiologies of hyperprolactinemia, as well as the response of 388 patients with prolactinomas to dopamine agonists. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS A total of 1234 hyperprolactinemic patients from 10 Brazilian endocrine centers were enrolled in this retrospective study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE PRL measurement, thyroid function tests, and screening for macroprolactin were conducted. RESULTS Patients were subdivided as follows: 56.2% had prolactinomas, 14.5% drug-induced hyperprolactinemia, 9.3% macroprolactinemia, 6.6% non-functioning pituitary adenomas, 6.3% primary hypothyroidism, 3.6% idiopathic hyperprolactinemia, and 3.2% acromegaly. Clinical manifestations were similar irrespective of the etiology of the hyperprolactinemia. The highest PRL levels were observed in patients with prolactinomas but there was a great overlap in PRL values between all groups. However, PRL>500 ng/ml allowed a clear distinction between prolactinomas and the other etiologies. Cabergoline (CAB) was more effective than bromocriptine (BCR) in normalizing PRL levels (81.9% vs 67.1%, p<0.0001) and in inducing significant tumor shrinkage and complete disappearance of tumor mass. Drug resistance was observed in 10% of patients treated with CAB and in 18.4% of those that used BCR (p=0.0006). Side-effects and intolerance were also more common in BCR treated patients. CONCLUSION Prolactinomas, drug induced hyperprolactinemia, and macroprolactinemia were the 3 most common causes of hyperprolactinemia. Although PRL levels could not reliably define the etiology of hyperprolactinemia, PRL values >500 ng/ml were exclusively seen in patients with prolactinomas. CAB was significantly more effective than BCR in terms of prolactin normalization, tumor shrinkage, and tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Vilar
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Abstract
Ectopic salivary gland tissue in sellar turcica is frequently observed in microscopic examination at autopsy. This tissue is considered clinically silent. Only 2 symptomatic cases have been previously reported. Here we report a 28-year-old woman presenting with galactorrhea and hyperprolactinemia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 6 x 5-mm nodule in the posterior aspect of the pituitary gland. This nodule showed isointensity on T1- and T2-weighted images and less enhancement on post-contrast T1-weighted images. Transsphenoidal exploration revealed a cystic lesion within the pituitary gland, which consisted of a grayish gelatinous content. The pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of salivary gland rest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hao Chen
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, and National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
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Losa M, Mortini P, Giovanelli M. A non-functioning pituitary adenoma initially mimicking a microprolactinoma: The case for long-term follow-up of patients with mild hyperprolactinemia? J Endocrinol Invest 2005; 28:367-70. [PMID: 15966512 DOI: 10.1007/bf03347205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A correct differential diagnosis of patients with mild hyperprolactinemia is essential to select the most appropriate treatment modality. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 50-yr-old woman presented to our Department for evaluation of an intra- and suprasellar mass causing progressive visual defect. Mild hyperprolactinemia causing menstrual irregularities was diagnosed in February 1989. In 1992, serum PRL levels ranged from 50 to 70 microg/l and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hypothalamic-pituitary region showed the presence of a 7 mm microadenoma. Bromocriptine therapy resulted in normalization of PRL levels and menstrual cycle, while a repeat MRI showed no change. Menses stopped in March 1998, when the patient was 46 yr old. Subsequently, the patient complained of worsening headaches and, starting from July 2001, visual disturbances. In March 2002, MRI showed a large pituitary tumor, measuring 40x37x28 mm. In May 2002, the patient was operated through the transsphenoidal approach with apparent total tumor removal. Histological examination confirmed a pituitary adenoma that stained negative for all pituitary hormones. Four months after surgery, the patient reported an improvement of visual function. MRI of the hypothalamic-pituitary region, performed 4, 13 and 25 months after surgery, showed a partially empty sella with no evidence of residual tumor. CONCLUSIONS This case suggests that, to exclude the alternative diagnosis of nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma or another mass lesion of the hypothalamic-pituitary region, repeat neuroimaging studies during long-term follow-up may be advisable in patients with presumed microprolactinoma who did not show reduction of the tumor during dopaminergic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Losa
- Pituitary Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, Istituto Scientifico San Raffaele, Università Vita-Salute, Milano, Italy.
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Knoepfelmacher M, Gomes MC, Melo ME, Mendonca BB. Pituitary apoplexy during therapy with cabergoline in an adolescent male with prolactin-secreting macroadenoma. Pituitary 2004; 7:83-7. [PMID: 15761656 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-005-5349-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas are rare in young patients. Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary adenomas in children older than 12 years, occurring more often in girls, at a 4.5:1 female-to-male ratio. The clinical presentation may vary according to the age and sex of the patient. Pituitary apoplexy is a rare life-threatening condition caused by a sudden infarction or hemorrhagic necrosis of the pituitary containing an adenoma. A wide variety of conditions can trigger apoplexy such as pituitary irradiation, general anesthesia, traumatic head injury, pituitary stimulatory tests and a wide variety of medications including bromocriptine. We report a case of a 16-year-old male patient with puberty arrest harboring a macroprolactinoma, who developed a sudden clinical picture of pituitary apoplexy during the 12th month of treatment with cabergoline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirta Knoepfelmacher
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brasil.
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Abstract
Na abordagem diagnóstica da hiperprolactinemia, três armadilhas ou problemas potenciais merecem uma atenção especial: os incidentalomas hipofisários (presentes em 10% da população adulta à ressonância magnética), o efeito gancho e a macroprolactinemia. O efeito gancho se caracteriza pela presença de níveis falsamente baixos de prolactina (PRL), quando se empregam imunoensaios de dois sítios em pacientes com grandes prolactinomas e hiperprolactinemia muito acentuada. O efeito gancho pode ser identificado através de uma nova dosagem da PRL após diluição do soro a 1:100, quando se observará um aumento dramático do valor da PRL. Ele deve ser excluído em qualquer paciente com um macroadenoma e níveis séricos de PRL <200ng/mL. A macroprolactinemia responde por cerca de 10% dos casos de hiperprolactinemia. Resulta de um excesso de PRL polimérica (macroprolactina ou big big prolactin), cuja biodisponibilidade é diminuída. Assim, a maioria dos pacientes com macroprolactinemia não apresenta os sintomas clássicos da hiperprolactinemia e habitualmente não requerem tratamento.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Vilar
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Universidade de Brasília; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Instituto Estadual de Diabetes e Endocrinologia
| | - Luciana A. Naves
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Universidade de Brasília; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Instituto Estadual de Diabetes e Endocrinologia
| | - Mônica Gadelha
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco; Universidade de Brasília; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Instituto Estadual de Diabetes e Endocrinologia
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Case record of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Weekly clinicopathological exercises. Case 35-2002. A nine-year-old girl with cold intolerance, visual-field defects, and a suprasellar tumor. N Engl J Med 2002; 347:1604-11. [PMID: 12432048 DOI: 10.1056/nejmcpc020011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Fonseca ALV, Chimelli L, Santos MJCF, Santos AASDD, Violante AHD. Influência dos níveis de prolactina e tamanho tumoral na função hipofisária pós-operatória em macroadenomas hipofisários clinicamente não-funcionantes. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2002. [DOI: 10.1590/s0004-282x2002000400014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJETIVO: Estudar a influência da hiperprolactinemia e de tamanho tumoral na função hipofisária em macroadenomas hipofisários clinicamente não funcionantes. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 23 pacientes com macroadenomas hipofisários clinicamente não funcionantes, com exames de imagem (tomografia computadorizada ou ressonância magnética) e dosagens hormonais basais; 16 tinham provas de função hipotálamo-hipofisária (megateste) pré-operatórios. Todos os tumores tiveram diagnóstico histológico e em 17 foi realizado também estudo imuno-histoquímico para os hormônios adeno-hipofisários. A análise estatística foi feita por meio dos testes t de Student, qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher e de Mc Neman. O nível de significância adotado foi 5% (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: O diâmetro tumoral variou de 1,1 a 4,7 cm (média=2,99 cm ± 1,04). No pré-operatório, 5 (21,7%) pacientes não apresentaram déficit hormonal laboratorial, 9 (39,1%) desenvolveram hiperprolactinemia, 13 (56,5%) níveis normais de prolactina (PRL) e 1 (4,3%) subnormal; 18 (78,3%) pacientes desenvolveram hipopituitarismo (4 pan-hipopituitarismo). Dezenove pacientes (82,6%) foram submetidos a via de acesso transesfenoidal, 3 (13%) a craniotomia e 1 (4,4%) ao acesso combinado. Somente 6 pacientes tiveram ressecção tumoral total. Dos 17 submetidos a estudo imuno-histoquímicos, 5 tumores eram imunonegativos, 1 misto, 1 LH+, 1 FSH +, 1 sub-unidade alfa e 8 apresentaram imunorreatividade focal ou em células isoladas para um dos hormônios adeno-hipofisários ou sub-unidades; dos outros seis tumores, 5 eram cromófobos e 1 cromófobo/acidófilo. Não houve correlação estatisticamente significativa entre o diâmetro tumoral e os níveis de PRL pré-operatória (p=0,82), nem entre tamanho tumoral e o estado hormonal pós-operatório, exceto nos eixos GH e gonadotrófico. Foi observada significância estatística entre o tamanho tumoral e o estado hormonal pré-operatório (exceto no eixo gonadal); entre níveis normais de PRL, associados a discreta ou a nenhuma disfunção hipofisária pré-operatória, e recuperação da função hipofisária pós-operatória. CONCLUSÃO: A hiperprolactinemia e tamanho tumoral pré-operatórios isolados não foram preditivos para a recuperação da função hipofisária pós-operatória.
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Abstract
Prolactinomas are a common cause of reproductive/sexual dysfunction. Once other causes of hyperprolactinemia have been excluded with a careful history and physical examination, routine chemistries, and an assay for TSH, MR imaging, or CT will delineate the size and extent of the tumor. Medical therapy is the initial treatment of choice. When infertility is the primary indication for treatment, bromocriptine use has an extensive safety record and is preferred. For other indications, cabergoline seems to be more efficacious and better tolerated. Transsphenoidal surgery remains an option, especially for patients with microadenomas, when medical therapy is ineffective.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Molitch
- Center for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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