[A prolactin-producing microadenoma as the cause of galactorrhea and delayed puberty in an adolescent boy]

The case history of a 16 years old boy with delayed puberty and the sudden onset of galactorrhea is presented. Prolactin analyses and X-ray studies of the sella turcica lead to the diagnosis of a pituitary tumor. A prolactin producing microadenoma was selectively excised via the transsphenoidal route. Serum prolactin resumed normal concentrations within hours after the operation. During the next months the boy showed the signs of normal puberty with increasing concentrations of serum testosterone. Because serum prolactin concentrations remained within the normal range, therapy with bromocriptine was not necessary. A spermiogram however, performed seven months after the operation, showed signs of a viscosipathy and terato-asthenozoospermia.