[Bromocriptine induced cystic tumour regression in advanced prolactinomas (author's transl)]

Conservative treatment with bromocriptine was performed in three patients with macroprolactinomas and increased prolactin levels. Lowering of prolactin levels to normal or subnormal values was possible in all cases. One extensive prolactinoma with retro- and suprasellar parts showed regression to a large extent and cystic degeneration. Transient occurrence of liquorrhoea is considered as a consequence of tumour regression. In cases of parasellar prolactinoma recurrence and intrasellar prolactinoma diminution and cystic degeneration were observed while on bromocriptine treatment. Bromocriptine dosage varied between 3.75 and 30 mg/d. Treatment was performed between 20 and 26 months. There were no serious side effects. Bromocriptine treatment offers an alternative to surgery in macroprolactinomas and prolactinoma recurrences.