title: Simulation of a prolactin-secreting adenoma by an intrasellar craniopharyngioma.
abstract: We report here an unusual case of a 21-year-old woman who presented with amenorrhea, galactorrhea, and hyperprolactinemia (66 to 81 ng/ml) secondary to an unsuspected intrasellar craniopharyngioma. The results of preoperative endocrine testing were compatible with the presence of a prolactin-secreting adenoma. Moreover, high resolution computed tomographic scanning revealed an uncalcified hypodense sellar mass that did not enhance after contrast administration, a feature shared by many prolactinomas. This report illustrates that amenorrhea, galactorrhea, mild to moderate hyperprolactinemia, and a sellar mass should not automatically be attributed to the presence of a prolactin-secreting adenoma.
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000209:etiology; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005687:Galactorrhea / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D011388:Prolactin