[Prolactin adenoma in a 14-year-old boy]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Neuroendocrinology
• Oncology

Background:

• Delayed growth and puberty in adolescents can be linked to hormonal imbalances.
• Prolactin, a hormone, plays a crucial role in development and reproductive functions.
• Pituitary adenomas are tumors of the pituitary gland, often affecting hormone production.

Observation:

• A 14-year-old male presented with delayed growth and puberty.
• Elevated prolactin levels were detected, leading to the diagnosis of a pituitary prolactinoma.
• The adenoma's size and associated visual disturbances were noted.

Findings:

• Surgical intervention was chosen due to the adenoma's size and visual impact.
• Post-operative persistent hyperprolactinemia necessitated further medical management.
• Bromocriptine was administered to treat the ongoing high prolactin levels.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of prolactin level assessment in diagnosing delayed puberty.
• It underscores the need for multimodal treatment strategies for pituitary prolactinomas.
• Effective management of hyperprolactinemia is crucial for normalizing growth and pubertal development.