OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the long-term effects of pregnancy and bromocriptine treatment on prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors in women undergoing infertility treatment for prolactinomas.
METHODS:
The records of 7 patients with prolactinomas were reviewed. Data regarding age, prepregnancy baseline and postpartum serum prolactin levels, and radiologic studies including CT or MRI were assessed. 6 patients were treated with bromocriptine before achieving pregnancy. Bromocriptine therapy was resumed after delivery for the duration of 1 to 4 years.
RESULTS:
40% of pregnancies did not affect the size of prolactinomas, 35% of pregnancies showed a decrease in size of prolactinomas or radiologic evidence of resolution of the tumor and 25% of pregnancies demonstrated radiologic increase in the size of prolactinomas.
CONCLUSIONS:
It is safe for patients with prolactinomas to achieve pregnancy following bromocriptine treatment. Pregnancy may lead to a slight decrease in the size of prolactinomas, increase in size, no change, and in some cases, complete resolution.