| Abstract: | The association between serum prolactin (PRL) and the presence of pituitary tumors as determined by third generation computed tomography scan was studied in hyperprolactinemic patients. Patient charts from a four-year period were reviewed to identify those patients with elevated PRL (greater than or equal to 25 ng/mL). All patients with hyperprolactinemia underwent computed tomography scan evaluation of the pituitary gland. Hyperprolactinemia was identified in 79 patients, mean PRL 59 +/- 6.1 ng/mL SEM. Pituitary tumors were identified in 35 of these patients, mean PRL 65 +/- 11.9 ng/mL. This level was not significantly different from the level in 43 patients with normal computed tomography scans (52 +/- 5.7 ng/mL). This review found that computed tomography scan identified pituitary tumors in 44% (35 of 79) of patients with hyperprolactinemia. The likelihood of finding a pituitary tumor did not correlate with the level of hyperprolactinemia. Computed tomography scan is indicated for the diagnosis of prolactinomas in all hyperprolactinemic patients regardless of the serum PRL level. |
