Bromocriptine for an acromegalic patient. Improvement in cardiac function and carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

A 64 yr old woman with active acromegaly of 33 yr duration, severe carpal tunnel syndrome and subclinical heart disease was treated with bromocriptine mesylate. Within 8 mo. of therapy, basal growth hormone (GH) levels decreased from 90.0 to 7.0 ng/ml, and hand volume was reduced from 375 to 295 ml. Echocardiographic studies showed normal left ventricular size and function. Electromyographic studies demonstrated normal function in both median nerves. Bromocriptine may correct cardiac dysfunction and carpal tunnel syndrome in acromegaly either by reduction of GH oversecretion or by a direct effect of bromocriptine on dopamine receptors in the heart and peripheral nerve endings.