Post-Operative Evaluation of Anterior Pituitary Function in a Nigerian with Hyperprolactinaemia: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Prolactinoma is an endocrine abnormality associated with hyperprolactinaemia of which there is paucity of data in this environment probably due to under-reporting, under diagnosis and inadequate skill for management. This is a report of a 42 year old Nigerian who underwent surgery for pituitary prolactinoma in Western Germany and was referred to our hospital for assessment of anterior pituitary reserve on return to Nigeria. Basal values of glucose, cortisol, T3, T4, TSH, LH, FSH, and prolactin were measured following which a triple function test was conducted by intravenous administration of a bolus consisting of 250ug of ACTH, 200ug TRH and 100ug GnRH. Basal values demonstrated normoglycaemia and euthyroidism while responses to TRH and GnRH indicated restoration of anterior pituitary capacity for synthesis and control of TSH, LH,


FSH and prolactin post-operatively.


(Key words: Hyperprolactinaemia, Hypophysectomy, Triple function test, Immunoassay).


Sahel Medical Journal Vol.7(1) 2004: 41-45