[Detection of asymptomatic prolactinoma by a mass screening program]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Clinical Chemistry
• Epidemiology

Context:

• Mass screening for endocrine disorders is crucial for early detection.
• Hyperprolactinemia affects a significant portion of the adult population.
• Assay methods play a vital role in diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose:

• To investigate the prevalence of pituitary prolactinoma and 'big' prolactinemia in a general adult population.
• To assess the clinical presentation of identified cases.
• To explore the implications of mass screening for laboratory medicine.

Summary:

• A mass screening of 10,550 adults using serum prolactin (PRL) assays identified 40 individuals with hyperprolactinemia.
• Among these, five had pituitary prolactinoma and 10 had 'big' prolactinemia, often asymptomatic.
• Asymptomatic 'big' prolactinemia showed a female predominance.

Impact:

• Highlights the potential for laboratory medicine to drive proactive health screening programs.
• Demonstrates the feasibility of identifying subclinical endocrine disorders through population-level analysis.
• Suggests a shift towards a more active role for laboratory professionals in public health initiatives.