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Macroprolactinoma — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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EasyEndocrinology & DiabetesMacroprolactinomaRACP Adult Medicine

A 50-year-old woman presents with a pituitary macroadenoma (2.5 cm) causing bitemporal hemianopia. Prolactin is 5,500 mU/L (markedly elevated). What is the most appropriate first-line treatment?

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Correct answer: BCabergoline

Macroprolactinomas (even with visual field compromise) should be treated with a dopamine agonist (cabergoline preferred over bromocriptine – more effective with fewer side effects) as first-line therapy. Cabergoline dramatically reduces prolactin levels and tumour size in >90% of cases, often restoring visual fields within days to weeks. Surgery is reserved for resistance to or intolerance of dopamine agonists, or pituitary apoplexy.

Reference: eTG – 2025 – Endocrinology; Endocrine Society – 2011 – Prolactinoma Guidelines