Giant Prolactinoma Presenting With Facial Nerve Palsy and Hemiparesis

Abstract

Background Giant prolactinomas are an exceedingly uncommon type of pituitary adenomas that usually occur in men, cause extremely high prolactin levels and mass related symptoms. Rarely, patients may experience neurological deficits resembling ischemic events. Methods We describe an unusual case of a young man who presented with stroke-like symptoms and was found to have a giant prolactinoma. Clinical Case 25-year-old man presented with the left facial droop and gradually progressing upper and lower extremity weakness for evaluation of stroke. He reported recent weight gain and erectile dysfunction. Physical exam revealed left homonymous hemianopsia, left VII nerve palsy, and left hemiparesis. MRI of the brain showed an enormous mass in the sella turcica, which invaded the sphenoid sinus and right side of the skull base. Prolactin level was elevated at 13580 ng/mL, and the testosterone level was low. The patient was started on cabergoline and had marked improvement in his symptoms in a few months. Fifteen months after starting treatment, he has had more than 90% reduction in tumor volume and a 93% reduction in prolactin level. Conclusion Giant prolactinomas are uncommon and present with compressive symptoms that can be mistaken for a stroke. Our case is a unique report of a facial nerve palsy and hemiparesis secondary to giant prolactinoma in the absence of stroke or pituitary apoplexy.