SUNCT syndrome secondary to prolactinoma.
Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) syndrome is a rare form of primary headache disorder, although secondary causes, particularly posterior fossa abnormalities, are well known. We report a case of SUNCT syndrome secondary to a prolactinoma. Administration of dopamine agonists led to complete resolution of the SUNCT attacks. This case, together with other similar case reports in the literature, highlight the importance of excluding a diagnosis of pituitary adenoma in all suspected cases of SUNCT syndrome, especially as the headache can precede more classical pituitary symptoms by a considerable period of time. Clinicians managing patients with suspected SUNCT syndrome should elicit a history of symptoms associated with pituitary neoplasms, perform a magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain and pituitary, and screen for serum hormonal abnormalities.
Matharu
M S
MS
Headache Group, Institute of Neurology. The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK.
Levy
M J
MJ
Merry
R T
RT
Goadsby
P J
PJ
D000236:Adenoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006261:Headache / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D015175:Prolactinoma / Q000150:complications*; D013577:Syndrome; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism