Intracranial dissemination of a macroprolactinoma

A patient with a macroprolactinoma and extrasellar extension was treated by incomplete transfrontal surgery, external irradiation and additional bromocriptine (Br) treatment. After 4 years, partial bromocriptine resistance developed (a rare occurrence) together with the appearance of intracranial metastases. 123I-Iodobenzamide was helpful in evaluating the dopamine D2 receptor status of the metastatic tumour both in vivo using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and in vitro. Prolactin release by the cultured metastatic tumour cells was more potently inhibited by CV 205-502 than by bromocriptine. The patient, treated by surgery, irradiation and CV 205-502, developed a ptosis of the left eye and a transient psychiatric delusional state, the latter probably an effect of the dopamine agonist. As the right frontal metastasis was markedly positive on SPECT with 111In-SMS, somatostatin treatment was added to the CV 205-502.