Pituitary macroadenoma in Addison's disease

Abstract

Long-standing primary failure of pituitary-dependent endocrine glands may lead to hyperplasia of the pituitary cells. These changes in the pituitary gland may be correlated with the severity and duration of target-endocrine gland insufficiency. Production of adrenocorticotrophic hormone by the pituitary tumour and modest hyperprolactinaemia may develop due to adrenocortical insufficiency, but production of prolactin by the pituitary tumour due to primary adrenal insufficiency is rare. A case study is presented, with primary adrenal insufficiency associated with hyperprolactinaemia and pituitary macroadenoma (most probably prolactinoma). Plasma levels of prolactin were found to decrease after glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid and bromocriptine therapy.