Simulation of a prolactin-secreting adenoma by an intrasellar craniopharyngioma

We report here an unusual case of a 21-year-old woman who presented with amenorrhea, galactorrhea, and hyperprolactinemia (66 to 81 ng/ml) secondary to an unsuspected intrasellar craniopharyngioma. The results of preoperative endocrine testing were compatible with the presence of a prolactin-secreting adenoma. Moreover, high resolution computed tomographic scanning revealed an uncalcified hypodense sellar mass that did not enhance after contrast administration, a feature shared by many prolactinomas. This report illustrates that amenorrhea, galactorrhea, mild to moderate hyperprolactinemia, and a sellar mass should not automatically be attributed to the presence of a prolactin-secreting adenoma.