Hyperprolactinemia due to pituitary metastasis: A case report
Chun-Yang Liu1, Yu-Bo Wang1, Hui-Qin Zhu2
1Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China.
World Journal of Clinical Cases
|January 29, 2021
Summary
Pituitary metastasis from lung cancer is rare, with hyperprolactinemia indicating a poor prognosis. Hormone replacement therapy can improve quality of life for affected patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Neurology
Background:
- Pituitary metastasis is an uncommon presentation of systemic cancers.
- Hyperprolactinemia and hypopituitarism due to pituitary metastases are rare initial symptoms.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old male presented with vision loss, dizziness, and hypopituitarism symptoms.
- Elevated prolactin levels and a sellar tumor with hemorrhage were noted.
- Histopathology confirmed lung adenocarcinoma metastasis to the pituitary gland.
Findings:
- Hyperprolactinemia in pituitary metastasis signifies a poor prognosis.
- Surgical resection and hormone supplementation improved patient symptoms.
Implications:
- Hyperprolactinemia serves as a prognostic marker for pituitary metastases.
- Hormone replacement therapy is crucial for symptom management and quality of life.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Prokinetic agents are specialized medications that stimulate gastrointestinal (GI) motility, promoting food movement through the GI tract. Dopamine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, plays a significant role in this process, reducing GI motility and indirectly controlling the speed of digestion. Dopamine receptor antagonists, such as metoclopramide and domperidone, offer a unique advantage as prokinetic agents. By blocking the dopamine receptors, these drugs increase GI motility, improving food...
01:27Major Hormones and Their Functions
Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
01:23Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...