Development of acromegaly during treatment of hyperprolactinemia with bromocriptine: an unusual acidophil stem cell adenoma

J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1996 Dec;81(12):4484-7. doi: 10.1210/jcem.81.12.8954064.

Abstract

We present clinical details of a patient with a 20-yr history of amennorhea, a pituitary tumor, elevated PRL levels, and initially undetectable GH. Bromocriptine failed to fully suppress PRL, and there was no tumor shrinkage. Within 7 months of starting bromocriptine treatment, the patient developed clinical and biochemical signs of acromegaly. At surgery, a stem cell adenoma was excised. The mechanisms by which bromocriptine may have resulted in the development of acromegaly in this patient are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acromegaly / etiology*
  • Adenoma, Acidophil / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Bromocriptine / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Growth Hormone / metabolism*
  • Hormone Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hyperprolactinemia / drug therapy*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / etiology*

Substances

  • Hormone Antagonists
  • Bromocriptine
  • Growth Hormone