Prolactinoma and cardiovascular diseases – an interdisciplinary problem

Abstract

Prolactin-secreting pituitary tumour is a rare disease, in which excess prolactin causes significant functional and constitutional disorders of the whole body. Hyperprolactinaemia is associated with changes in body composition and metabolic disorders. The long-term prognosis and quality of life in patients with prolactinoma are mainly influenced by cardiovascular disorders, which, if left untreated, increase the cardiovascular risk and limit the treatment options for secondary organ complications. Cardiovascular mortality in patients with prolactinoma is several times higher than in the general population. Early diagnosis of prolactin-releasing pituitary tumour and a thorough morphological and functional cardiovascular assessment at each stage of the disease are necessary for risk stratification. Patients with prolactinoma should be put on combined treatment based on both serum prolactin control, and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors. Normalisation of prolactin levels and reduction of the tumour mass, achieved mainly through effective pharmacotherapy, reduce mortality and the risk of cardiovascular complications; therefore, the earliest possible diagnosis of prolactin pituitary tumour and implementation of appropriate treatment as well as active diagnosis and therapy of coexisting organ complications should be set as a goal in these patients. It seems that a thorough cardiological assessment of patients with prolactinoma should be obligatory, regardless of their age or the time of diagnosis. The aim of this study was to present the complexity of clinical problems in patients with prolactin secreting pituitary tumours, who require special interdisciplinary care.