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OVERVIEW
This page is dedicated to organizing various examples of standardized exam questions whose answer is prolactinoma. While this may seem a odd practice, it is useful to see multiple examples of how prolactinoma will be characterized on standardized exams (namely the boards and the shelf exams). This page is not meant to be used as a traditional question bank (as all of the answers will be the same), however seeing the classic “test” characterization for a disease is quite valuable.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS CONDITION (ON EXAMS)
When it comes to standardized exams, each condition has its own “code” marked by key buzzwords, lab findings, clues, etc. If you are well versed in this code you will be able to more quickly identify the condition that is being discussed, and get the right answer on the exam you are taking. Below is the “code” for prolactinoma.
- Galactorrhea can be observed
- Elevated prolactin levels will be noticed in the serum
- Pituitary lesion can be seen on imaging (often on MRI)
QUESTION EXAMPLES
Question # 1
A 23 year old nun presents with complaints of amenorrhea and galactorrhea for the past six months duration. She is very concerned that others in the covenant may think that she is pregnant, however she very clearly states that she is still a virgin.
Explanation # 1
Question # 2
Explanation # 2
TESTABLE FACTS ABOUT THIS CONDITION (BEYOND ITS IDENTIFICATION)
Many questions on standardized exams go beyond simply recognizing the underlying condition. Often there are specific testable facts regarding some aspect of the disease’s pathophysiology/management/clinical implications that are commonly asked. Some of these are listed below:
- Effect of prolactin: elevated prolactin over time will suppress GnRH from the hypothalamus, leading to hypogonadism, anovluation, and amenorrhea. This can be an issue in patients that refuse treatment.
- Treatment: Bromocriptine (a dopamine agonist that in turn will inhibit prolactin secretion)
Page Updated: 03.08.2017