[Bromocriptine monotherapy of a prolactinoma causing erectile dysfunction].

OBJECTIVE

A case of erectile dysfunction in a patient with prolactinoma is described herein.

METHODS/

RESULTS

The literature on the incidence, diagnosis and therapeutic management of this condition is reviewed. Impotence may arise from several causes. It is widely accepted that 30-50% have an organic etiology, with vascular involvement being more prevalent than other causes (neurological, endocrinological, urological, iatrogenic, pharmacological, systemic diseases). Hyperprolactinemia, arising from a prolactinoma, is one of the endocrinological conditions causing impotence. In men, this endocrinological disorder is rarely accompanied by other clinical anomalies, such as gynecomastia, galactorrhea or signs of a pituitary tumor. The patient described herein presented with erectile dysfunction. During evaluation, he was found to be hyperprolactinemic. Subsequent assessment disclosed a pituitary adenoma. The patient was successfully treated with bromocriptine.

CONCLUSION

Erectile dysfunction arising from hyperprolactinemia is uncommon. Serum prolactin levels, a lateral skull x-ray and CT/MRI are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Treatment must be directed at the underlying cause. Bromocriptine has proved to be effective and carries a low risk of undesired effects.