A borderline form of empty follicle syndrome. Case report

Empty follicle syndrome is known as the failure of oocyte retrieval despite the adequate response to ovarian stimulation. It is a rare phenomenon in in-vitro fertilization and borderline forms of this syndrome have also been described.

Two cycles in the same patient were stimulated with GnRH agonist/hMG and recFSH; the first followed the long and the second followed the short protocol.

There was a sudden drop in estradiol levels while the ovaries contained a large number of small and medium sized follicles. hCG was administered and oocyte retrieval was performed 36 hours later. There was no indication of low hCG levels. For the first cycle two oocytes were collected: one degenerated and one of poor quality. The second cycle resulted in total failure of oocyte retrieval.

The two cycles were classified as borderline forms of empty follicle syndrome. The possible aetiology is discussed.