Successful Management of a Giant Pituitary Lactosomatotroph Adenoma Only with Cabergoline

Abstract

Although advances in endocrinologic and neuroradiologic research allow easier recognition of pituitary adenomas, giant pituitary tumours are relatively rare. In the literature, the term "giant" is generally used when a pituitary tumour becomes larger than 4 cm in diameter. Cabergoline is a potent and long-acting inhibitor of prolactin secretion, which exhibits high specificity and affinity for dopamine D2 receptor. Herein, we report a 46-year-old woman with a giant lactosomatotroph pituitary adenoma, sized 6 × 5 × 5.5 cm, who is treated successfully only with cabergoline. The patient showed dramatic response to cabergoline treatment by means of clinical, biochemical and radiological imaging findings. Cabergoline seems to be safe and effective in the treatment of prolactin and growth hormone cosecreting pituitary adenomas as well as prolactinomas. However, surgical or more aggressive approach must be considered where indicated.