Effective bromocriptine therapy for large, calcified prolactinoma--pathogenesis of calcifications.

A male patient was presented with a large, prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma containing conspicuous calcifications. Microscopic examination showed the calcifications to be surrounded by active secretory adenoma cells. In addition to receiving postoperative external irradiation, he was treated with bromocriptine for over 3 years. The serum prolactin level decreased, and a shrinkage of the calcified lesions as well as a reduction in the tumor size have been observed on computed tomograms. Our results suggest that the hormone secretion is closely associated with the formation of the conspicuous calcifications.