Apoplexy of Microprolactinoma after Cabergoline Therapy: Rare Situation but Big Emergency

Abstract

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a rare clinical situation caused by pituitary infarction with or without haemorrhage. Although it is usually spontaneous, dopaminergic agonists (DA) are known to be predisposing factors, particularly Bromocriptine, more rarely Cabergoline. We report the case of a 31-years-old patient with a microprolactinoma who developed acute visual acuity loss due to pituitary apoplexy 5 months after taking Cabergoline. The evolution was marked by a considerable improvement of the visual state. Pituitary apoplexy is a rare situation. Often reported with Bromocriptine, PA can also occur with Cabergoline. Due to the high mortality and morbidity of apoplexy, it should be borne in mind that close monitoring is necessary when treatment with DA is prescribed and the patient should be informed of this risk. Although DA precipitate risk, treatment can be continued for hormonal and anti-tumour remission.