Ectopic prolactinoma on MRI.

OBJECTIVE

We present two patients with ectopic prolactinoma in the sphenoid sinus who were examined by MRI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Endocrinological evaluations including spontaneous and drug-induced secretion of prolactin (PRL) and MRI features of two patients with ectopic prolactinoma were studied.

RESULTS

Both patients had elevated serum PRL levels, and the endocrinological evaluations were similar to those in ectopic prolactinoma. Magnetic resonance of the head revealed a mass occupying the sphenoid sinus with partially empty sella in Case 1 and with normal pituitary gland in Case 2. Ectopic PRL secretion was confirmed by immunocytochemical examination of the ectopic tumor. Case 1 was treated with bromocriptine, leading to marked decrease in serum PRL levels and reduction of tumor size. Transsphenoidal surgery was performed in Case 2, resulting in normalization of serum PRL levels.

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to consider ectopic prolactinoma for the differential diagnosis of the sphenoid sinus tumors.