Bromocriptine reduces pituitary tumor size and hypersection. Requiem for pituitary surgery?

Abstract

Twelve patients with pituitary tumor whose prior treatment included surgery and radiotherapy in 4, surgery alone in 4, radiotherapy alone in 1 and none in 3 were studied. Nine had hyperprolactinemia, 2 had elevated serum growth hormones and 1 had no pituitary hormone excess. Visual field defects were present in 6. All had pituitary-gonadal insufficiency manifested as impotence or amenorrhea. All were treated with bromocriptine, 7.5-25 mg daily, and followed up for 8-27 (.hivin.x = 15) mo. Serum prolactin levels decreased to normal in 7 of 9 patients. Serum growth hormone values were normalized in both acromegalics. When hormone levels were reduced to normal, pituitary tumor size decreased. Vision was restored to normal in 5 of 6 patients, including 1 patient with pituitary tumor but no pituitary hormone excess. Bromocriptine corrects the physiological defects associated with pituitary tumors that have been incompletely treated with surgery, radiotherapy or both and may be a useful primary treatment for patients with pituitary tumors.