Hyperprolactinemia complicated with peliosis hepatis: One case report and review of literature

Medicine (Baltimore). 2025 Jan 10;104(2):e41168. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000041168.

Abstract

Rationale: Peliosis hepatis (PH) is a rare disease with few clinical reports and complex etiology. However, there have been no reports of hyperprolactinemia (HPRL) leading to PH at present. This paper, through case reports, expands the understanding of the etiology of PH and the pathological damage effect of prolactin (PRL).

Patient concerns: The patient reported in this paper had jaundice, menstrual disorders, menopause, weight gain, and other symptoms. Laboratory examination found increased levels of PRL and transaminase in liver function, and imaging examination indicated pituitary tumor and PH.

Diagnoses: Comprehensive patient history and auxiliary examination, the clinical diagnosis was pituitary PRL tumor and PH.

Interventions and outcomes: After treatment with bromocriptine, menstruation recovered and liver function returned to normal. In addition, the follow-up imaging examination indicated that pituitary tumors and PH lesions were shrinking, and clinical phenomena indicated that HPRL caused by pituitary prolactinoma was correlated with PH occurrence.

Lessons: Since there is no report of HPRL causing PH, the specific pathogenesis is unknown. This paper reviews the relevant literature and puts forward the theoretical consideration of the pathogenesis. Through this case, for clinically similar patients, it is warned that we need to consider the possibility of PH and further improve the examination, evaluation and treatment in time.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bromocriptine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperprolactinemia* / complications
  • Hyperprolactinemia* / etiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Peliosis Hepatis* / complications
  • Peliosis Hepatis* / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Neoplasms* / complications
  • Pituitary Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Prolactin / blood
  • Prolactinoma / complications
  • Prolactinoma / diagnosis

Substances

  • Bromocriptine
  • Prolactin