title: Dramatic and rapid shrinkage of a massive invasive prolactinoma with bromocriptine: a case report.
abstract: Shrinkage of a massive, highly invasive, longstanding (probably 40 years) prolactin-secreting pituitary tumour is described in which tumour volume was reduced by 40% 8 d after beginning bromocriptine treatment. After 4 months of treatment the tumour was only 11% of the pretreatment volume and by 8 months it was further reduced in size being confined to the pituitary fossa, which was partially empty. Reduction in tumour volume was accompanied by a gradual reduction in serum prolactin concentrations to normal values at 4 months. Between 4 and 18 months serum prolactin has remained normal on 5 mg of bromocriptine daily. Visual function improved within 48 h of starting bromocriptine and was almost normal by 6 d. CSF rhinorrhoea developed as the tumour shrank and was successfully managed with the relatively minor procedure of a diversionary lumbo-peritoneal shunt. Bromocriptine should be considered as the initial treatment of choice for massive invasive prolactinomas because of the significant risk of morbidity from neurosurgical treatment.
mesh_terms: D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001971:Bromocriptine; D011388:Prolactin