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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
08:46
Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives
Published on: September 16, 2021
Ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome after spontaneous conception.
Cristina Lussiana1, Benedetta Guani, Gabriella Restagno
1Molecular Genetics Laboratory, OIRM Hospital, Torino, Italy.
Summary
Spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (sOHSS) is rare but can occur in pregnancy. This case study highlights hypothyroidism and elevated hCG as potential contributing factors in sOHSS.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is common during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments using gonadotropins.
- Spontaneous OHSS (sOHSS) is rare and typically associated with specific pregnancy conditions or genetic factors affecting the FSH receptor (FSHR).
Observation:
- A case of sOHSS occurred in a woman with a spontaneous conception.
- The patient presented with hypothyroidism and elevated human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels during the second trimester of pregnancy.
- Genetic analysis of the FSHR gene was performed to investigate potential causes.
Findings:
- No exonic mutations were found in the FSHR gene.
- Intronic mutations in the FSHR gene were identified, although their role in sOHSS remains uncertain.
- Hypothyroidism and elevated hCG levels were confirmed as potential contributing factors in this sOHSS case.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of potential triggers for sOHSS beyond known causes.
- Further research into intronic FSHR mutations is warranted to clarify their contribution to ovarian hyper-responsiveness.
- Identifying specific factors in sOHSS can improve diagnostic approaches and patient management in reproductive medicine.
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