[Thrombosis in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome]

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a rare complication of IVF treatment. In severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome there is an increased risk of thrombo-embolic events. Venous thrombotic complications tend to occur several weeks after the resolution of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Predominant sites of venous thrombosis in OHSS are the upper extremities.

A 34-year old woman presented to the emergency department with complaints about a painful swelling in the neck and a bluish discoloration of the right arm. She had been admitted to the hospital six weeks before, because of shortness of breath from pleural effusion due to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The diagnosis of jugular vein and subclavian vein thrombosis was made. She was treated with therapeutic doses of low-molecular-weight heparin.

Venous thrombosis is a rare but serious complication of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. For patients who require admission because of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, thromboprophylaxis should be continued several weeks after discharge.