Ovarian stimulation and in vitro fertilization in women with mature cystic teratomas

To report the results of ovulation induction and in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in patients with ovarian cystic teratomas.

Six women with ultrasonographically diagnosed ovarian cystic teratomas (mean diameter 2.4 cm) who presented with infertility underwent IVF-ET (n = 4) or ovulation induction (n = 2). Serial ultrasound examinations were used to determine the size of the cystic teratomas during therapy and throughout pregnancy.

Ovarian stimulation was successful, as evidenced by the serum estradiol concentration on the day of hCG administration (mean in IVF-ET patients, 3558+/-1319 pg/mL) and the number of oocytes retrieved (10+/-4.24). Three patients having IVF-ET and both patients having ovulation induction conceived, and six healthy infants were born. Cyst sizes remained unchanged throughout treatment and pregnancy. There were no cyst-related complications during ovulation induction or IVF-ET, or during the entire course of pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

The presence of ovarian cystic teratoma should not be considered a contraindication for therapy in women undergoing ovulation induction and IVF-ET.