Growth hormone producing prolactinoma in juvenile cystinosis: a simple coincidence?

Pediatr Nephrol. 2008 Feb;23(2):307-10. doi: 10.1007/s00467-007-0543-x. Epub 2007 Jul 19.

Abstract

Juvenile cystinosis was diagnosed in a patient who presented with severe headache attacks and photophobia. Treatment with oral cysteamine and topical cysteamine eye drops was started. One-and-a-half years later, he developed unilateral gynecomastia and elevated prolactin and growth hormone levels. A pituitary macroprolactinoma was discovered and successfully treated with the dopamine agonist cabergoline. Increased serum growth hormone levels were attributed to enhanced growth hormone production by the prolactinoma and somatostatin inhibition by cysteamine. Although the occurrence of prolactinoma in this patient could be a simple coincidence, it might also be a rare yet unrecognised complication of cystinosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Administration, Topical
  • Body Height / drug effects
  • Cabergoline
  • Child
  • Cysteamine / therapeutic use
  • Cystinosis / complications
  • Cystinosis / drug therapy
  • Cystinosis / metabolism*
  • Dopamine Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Ergolines / therapeutic use
  • Headache / etiology
  • Human Growth Hormone / blood*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / complications
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Prolactinoma / complications
  • Prolactinoma / drug therapy
  • Prolactinoma / metabolism*
  • Radiation-Protective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Ergolines
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Radiation-Protective Agents
  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Cysteamine
  • Cabergoline