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Pregnancy-induced changes in prolactinomas as assessed with computed tomography
R C Toffle1, S M Webb, G E Tagatz
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Minnesota Hospitals, Minneapolis.
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Pregnancy can cause pituitary prolactinomas to enlarge in women. However, women who previously had surgery for pituitary adenomas did not experience recurrence or tissue regrowth after pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
Background:
- Prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas (prolactinomas) are common pituitary tumors.
- Hyperprolactinemia, often caused by prolactinomas, can affect fertility and pregnancy.
- The impact of pregnancy on prolactinoma volume requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of pregnancy on the volume of pituitary prolactinomas.
- To assess changes in hyperfunctioning pituitary tissue during pregnancy.
- To determine the risk of tumor recurrence or regrowth after pregnancy in patients with a history of pituitary adenoma surgery.
Main Methods:
- Computed tomography (CT) scans were used to assess pituitary tumor volume.
- The study included seven women with prolactin-secreting microadenomas.
- Three women with persistent hyperprolactinemia after surgery were also evaluated.
Main Results:
- Tumor enlargement was observed in six out of seven women with microadenomas during pregnancy.
- One microadenoma enlarged to become a macroadenoma.
- No residual tissue hypertrophy or tumor recurrence was noted in patients with prior adenoma resection after pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of pituitary prolactinoma enlargement.
- Surgical resection of pituitary adenomas appears to prevent recurrence or regrowth during pregnancy.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications of pregnancy on pituitary tumor management.