Serum prolactin levels before and after galactography in patients with pathological nipple discharge

Serum prolactin levels were determined in 25 women who underwent galactography on account of pathological nipple discharge. The test samples were obtained immediately before galactography as well as 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes after. There was no significant change in serum prolactin levels following galactography. In 2 cases out of 25, the basal level of prolactin was well above normal while in 1 case it was below normal. Those three were cases of galactorrhea. The clinical aspect of pathological nipple discharge did not correlate with serum prolactin levels, and galactorrhea would appear to be compatible with serum prolactin levels below normal.