Cabergoline treatment for recurrent Cushing's disease during pregnancy

Cushing's disease during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for maternal and fetal complications. In recurrent Cushing`s disease following transsphenoidal surgery, and when re-operation is not feasible, medical treatment is usually considered. Cabergoline was found to be effective in reducing hypercortisolism in Cushing's disease. Evolving data concerning the safety of cabergoline use during pregnancy show no significant increase in the rate of complications during pregnancy or the postnatal period.

We report a 29-year-old woman, gravida 0, para 0, with recurrent Cushing`s disease, three years after transsphenoidal resection of pituitary ACTH-secreting macroadenoma. Repeated MRI revealed an empty sella with a small gadolinium-enhancing lesion, suspected to be an adenoma remnant on the medial wall of the right cavernous sinus. As the patient was not willing to undergo repeat surgical intervention, treatment with cabergoline was initiated, with a gradual dose titration up to 3.5 mg/week. Clinical improvement ensued, and 4 months later, she conceived spontaneously. After discussing treatment options with the patient, cabergoline treatment at a dose of 2 mg/week was continued throughout pregnancy.

The patient showed complete clinical remission during pregnancy. Consecutive tests of 24-h urinary free cortisol concentration were not found to be elevated. Pregnancy and delivery were uneventful except for mild hypothyroidism observed during the second trimester. At full term the patient delivered a healthy female infant, by an elective cesarean section.

This case report demonstrates that cabergoline may be an effective and safe therapeutic option for the treatment of Cushing's disease during pregnancy.