Ovarian carcinoma masquerading as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Two patients receiving ovulation-inducing drugs were found to have ovarian carcinoma. Since patients receiving such medication are prone to develop enlarged ovaries with or without the fully developed hyperstimulation syndrome, the diagnosis of ovarian tumors in such patients may be delayed or missed. It is therefore being suggested that an ovarian enlargement persisting for more than 4 weeks, or the finding of ovarian solid masses by sonography in patients receiving ovulation-inducing drugs, should lead to a thorough work-up for neoplasia, sometimes including even laparotomy.