Emergency ultrasound diagnosis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: case report

Background

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an exaggerated response to ovulation induction therapy. It is a known complication of ovarian stimulation in patients undergoing treatment for infertility. As assisted reproductive technology and the use of ovulation induction agents expands, it is likely that there will be more cases of OHSS presenting to the Emergency Department (ED).

Objectives

OHSS has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, from mild abdominal pain to severe cases where there is increased vascular permeability leading to significant fluid accumulation in body cavities and interstitial space. Severe cases may present to the ED with ascites, pericardial effusions, pleural effusions, and lower extremity edema. Through a case report, we review OHSS with an emphasis on early diagnosis by Emergency Physician (EP)-performed bedside ultrasonography.

Case Report

We present a case of a patient undergoing treatment for infertility who presented to the ED with shortness of breath and abdominal pain. The diagnosis of severe OHSS was made, largely based on EP-performed bedside ultrasonography showing peritoneal free fluid and bilateral pleural effusions, as well as multiple ovarian follicles.

Conclusions

This report reviews the pathophysiology of OHSS, its clinical features, and pertinent diagnostic and management issues. This report emphasizes the importance of early EP-performed bedside ultrasonography.     

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A review for emergency clinicians

IntroductionA great deal of literature has recently evaluated the prevention and management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in the outpatient setting, but there remains a dearth of research evaluating OHSS in the emergency department (ED) and its management.ObjectiveThis narrative review evaluates the underlying pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of OHSS and discusses approaches to patient care in the ED based on current literature.DiscussionOHSS is an iatrogenic complication caused by an excessive response to controlled ovarian stimulation during assisted reproductive cycles (ART). OHSS complicates up to 30% of ART cycles, and many of these patients seek initial care in the ED. Risk factors for the development of OHSS include age < 35, history of polycystic ovarian syndrome or previous OHSS, and pregnancy. Emergency physicians will be faced with several complications including ascites, abdominal compartment syndrome, renal dysfunction, acute respiratory distress syndrome, thromboembolic disease, and hemodynamic instability. Critical patients should be evaluated in the resuscitation bay, and consultation with the primary obstetrics/gynecology team is needed, which improves patient outcomes. This review provides several guiding principles for management of OHSS and associated complications.ConclusionsOHSS occurs in up to 30% of IVF cycles and carries a high morbidity. Effective care of the OHSS patient begins with early diagnosis while evaluating for other diseases and complications. Understanding these complications and an approach to the management of OHSS is essential to optimizing patient care.     

Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

BackgroundOvarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurs when ovaries are overstimulated and enlarged due to fertility treatments resulting in a shift of serum from the intravascular space to the third space, mainly the abdominal cavity. It is the most serious complication of ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproduction.Case ReportWe present the case of a 40-year-old woman who presented with abdominal bloating and nausea 2 weeks after undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF); she was diagnosed by an outside radiology ultrasound as having a ruptured ovarian cyst. A point-of-care emergency ultrasound performed by the emergency physician made the diagnosis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This led to more expedient management and obstetrical consultation.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?Abdominal bloating and nausea are common presenting complaints in pregnant women. OHSS is a rare but potentially fatal complication of IVF. Recognition and early diagnosis by the emergency physician can lead to appropriate intervention and consultation.     

中重度卵巢过度刺激综合征90例临床分析

目的探讨辅助生殖技术中的卵巢过度刺激综合征(OHSS)的高危因素及临床监测与治疗。方法对四川省人民医院90例中、重度卵巢过度刺激综合征临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果 (1)OHSS发生的高危因素:年轻患者、多囊卵巢综合征、过多卵泡数目以及妊娠。(2)妊娠的OHSS患者与未妊娠患者的病程分别为(18.56±12.19)d及(8.28±3.21)d,临床治疗时间及病程明显延长;未妊娠与妊娠患者所使用清白蛋白量为(130.43±24.22)g及(257.39±64.35)g,妊娠患者症状重、清蛋白治疗用量大。(3)扩容及输注清蛋白是治疗OHSS的有效措施,严重患者穿刺引流胸腔积液和腹水可缓解症状。结论 OHSS是辅助生育技术控制性超排卵治疗引起的医源性并发症,应予以正确的防治。     

Ovarian overstimulation syndrome: problem of intensive care

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic complication, the basis for which is a hyperergic uncontrolled ovarian response to gonadotropins in the ovulation stimulation cycles and assisted procreation programs. The clinical picture of OHSS is characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical and laboratory manifestations: increased vascular permeability resulting in the excess release of liquid into the third space and its storage with the development of hypovolemia, hemoconcentration, oliguria, hypoproteinemia, electrolyte imbalance, polyserositis; in severe cases, acute renal failure, thromboembolic events, and adult respiratory distress syndrome develop. The goal of treatment is to prevent the development of multiply organ dysfunctions. Its leading methods are infusion therapy with colloid-crystalloid solutions and anticoagulant therapy. Whether diuretics and other drugs are administered is under consideration. Indications for laparocentesis and peritoneal transudate evacuation are discussed. Complications requiring surgery are identified.     

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome as a Growing Diagnostic Problem in Emergency Department Settings: A Case Report

Background

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a common complication of an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure, which is usually clinically insignificant. However, without monitoring, it can progress into a life-threatening condition. With the increasing popularity of IVF technology, patients with OHSS may begin visiting emergency departments (EDs) more frequently.

卵巢过度刺激综合征77例临床分析

目的：探讨多囊卵巢综合征（OHSS）治疗的临床特征和治疗方法。方法：回顾性分析77例OHSS住院患者的临床资料。结果：77例OHSS患者均发生在超促排卵周期的第9～22 d,其中50例患者发生在体外受精胚胎移植（IVF-ET）术后。经过监护、扩容、补液、注射黄体酮及腹腔、胸腔穿刺引流后,患者在6～43d内病情缓解并出院,77例患者妊娠47例,其中一例终止妊娠。结论：OHSS的治疗主要是对症支持治疗,严密监护OHSS的病情发展,扩容是治疗的关键,治疗严重的难以控制的OHSS,终止妊娠是最有效的手段。     

Internal jugular vein thrombosis with OHSS

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) includes ovarian enlargement and ascites. It is usually mild but can be, rarely, fatal. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is among the potentially fatal complications of OHSS. During pregnancy, DVT is more common in the lower extremities than in the upper part of the body, but OHSS‐related DVT occurs more frequently in the upper part. Internal jugular vein thrombosis is considered rare, and duplex ultrasound is the appropriate examination for its diagnosis. We present a rare case of internal jugular vein thrombosis following OHSS. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45 :450–452, 2017     

Fascioliasis: US, CT, and MRI findings with new observations

Background: The purpose of this study is to describe the ultrasonographic (US), computed tomographic (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in fascioliasis and to emphasize the impact of radiology in diagnosis. Methods: Radiologic findings in 23 consecutive patients with fascioliasis were prospectively recorded. All patients had at least one US and CT examination, and 10 of them were studied by MRI. All diagnoses were confirmed by serologic methods. In the first three cases, initial diagnosis was reached by microscopic demonstration of the parasites' eggs in bile obtained by US-guided gallbladder aspiration. Results: In the hepatic phase of fascioliasis, multiple, confluent, linear, tractlike, hypodense, nonenhancing hepatic lesions were detected by CT. On US, the parasites could be clearly identified in the gallbladder or common bile duct as floating and nonshadowing echogenic particles. MRI showed the lesions as hypo- or isointense on T1-weighted images and as hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Conclusions: CT findings in the hepatic phase and US findings in the biliary phase are characteristic of fascioliasis. Because clinical and laboratory findings of fascioliasis may easily be confused with several diseases, radiologists should be familiar with the specific radiologic findings of the disease to shorten the usual long-lasting diagnostic process. Received: 15 December 1999/Accepted: 26 January 2000     

Intensive care for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

The paper reviews the current data available in the literature on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Today due to the intensive development of high assisted reproductive techniques (ART) using the current superovulation stimulation, the risk of OHSS grows steadily. The clinical symptoms of OHSS appear in the luteal phase of a cycle and in early pregnancy when most females have just left the in vitro fertilization centers. In this connection, physicians of many specialties, including obstetricians, gynecologists, and intensivists should know the clinical manifestations of this syndrome and can correctly render a medical aid. Disputable issues of inpatient therapy for OHSS and the specific features of infusion management and intensive care are discussed.     

肺超声评分评估新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征肺病变及预后的可行性及临床意义

目的 探讨肺超声评分（LUS）定量评估新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征（NRDS）严重程度及其临床意义。方法 收集74例NRDS患儿与30名对照组新生儿。对比LUS与X线检查、呼吸机辅助通气情况、呼吸机参数等临床资料。分析LUS与X线分级、辅助通气情况及呼吸机参数的相关性;应用ROC曲线评价LUS预测NRDS临床严重程度及需有创呼吸机辅助治疗的价值。结果 NRDS的肺超声表现为弥漫分布密集B线、A线消失、胸膜线异常、肺滑动征减弱、肺实变。NRDS患儿的LUS与X线分级、临床分度、辅助通气模式分级、呼吸机使用天数、呼吸机参数等呈正相关（P均<0.05）。LUS预测轻、中、重度NRDS的分值分别为13.0、22.5、29.5分。以LUS为22.5分预测患儿需应用有创辅助通气的敏感度和特异度分别为86.0%和64.5%。结论 LUS可以诊断并定量评估NRDS病情的严重程度,以指导临床诊疗。     

Severe hypokalemia, paralysis, and AIDS-associated isospora belli diarrhea

Background: Hypokalemia of clinical significance, severe enough to cause paralysis and cardiac dysrhythmias, is an uncommon life-threatening medical disorder. Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HPP), where an abrupt intracellular shift of potassium has occurred, must be distinguished from hypokalemic non-periodic paralysis (non-HPP), where a total body potassium deficit exists. The challenge for emergency physicians is to swiftly and accurately differentiate disease etiology and institute prompt treatment. Aggressive potassium repletion, required in non-HPP etiologies, may predispose HPP patients to dangerous and potentially fatal rebound hyperkalemia as the intracellular potassium shift resolves. Objectives: Describe the process by which HPP and non-HPP can be differentiated on clinical and laboratory grounds leading to appropriate resuscitation from severe and clinically relevant hypokalemia. Chronic diarrhea syndromes and possibly normal alkaline phosphatase levels alert the clinician to the potential for non-HPP. Case Report: A case of HIV/AIDS-associated isospora belli diarrheal illness with severe hypokalemia of the non-HPP type is presented. Historical, laboratory, and clinical findings, which assisted in the differentiation from HPP, are emphasized. Clinical progression and treatment strategies, as well as electrocardiogram findings with T-U-P fusion waves, are described in detail. Conclusion: The history, especially the time course of disease, is essential in differentiating HPP and non-HPP, allowing treatment to proceed without overcorrection and rebound hyperkalemia. Although other infectious diseases have been linked to non-HPP, to our knowledge this is the first report linking non-HPP to isospora belli diarrheal illness.     

Primary small bowel tumors: a radiologic-pathologic correlation

Background: Primary small bowel tumors are rare and their preoperative diagnosis is unsatisfactory. The cornerstone of diagnosis remains contrast radiography. The present study was done to evaluate the radiologic findings of primary small bowel tumors as shown on enteroclysis and to correlate these observations with surgical and histopathologic findings. Methods: Seventy two patients with primary small bowel tumors identified by enteroclysis were evaluated. All the patients were subjected to jejunal biopsy or surgery. The diagnosis was established by histopathologic examination in all cases. Results: Radiologic findings were suggestive of benign tumors in 19 patients and malignant tumors in 31 patients. Nonspecific findings in the form of diffuse involvement of the small bowel were noted in 22 patients. There was 100% radiologic–surgical correlation. Leiomyomas and lymphomas were the most common benign and malignant tumors, respectively. Tumor specificities were 89.5% for benign tumors and 41.5% for malignant tumors. Conclusion: Distinctive morphologic patterns as shown on enteroclysis are highly suggestive of specific tumor types in the majority of cases. Received: 25 April 2000/Revision accepted: 20 September 2000     

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic complication that is associated with modern techniques for in vitro fertilization. Extensive efforts have been made to understand the pathophysiology and to improve the management of this entity. The severe and life-threatening forms of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome are still challenging for critical care physicians. This article reviews the pathogenesis, epidemiology, classification, clinical manifestations, and complications of these forms of OHSS. The different therapeutic options currently available are reviewed, and a stepwise approach for the management of these patients is provided.     

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: imperatives for the emergency physician.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a serious disorder complicating the use of ovary-stimulating drugs in assisted reproduction programs. While its pathogenesis is not fully understood, it is believed that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation is vital to the development of OHSS. Further evidence suggests that the renin-angiotensin pathway, vascular endothelial growth factor, endothelin-1, and cytokines all play a role in altering ovarian capillary permeability, leading to increased interstitial fluid. OHSS can produce a myriad of symptoms and signs involving numerous body systems, up to and including hypovolemic shock and acute renal failure. As growing numbers of women opt for assisted reproduction, it becomes increasingly important for emergency physicians to be able to recognize this condition. Clinical classification into mild, moderate, severe, and critical forms of OHSS can help the physician plan appropriate investigations, admission requirements, and acute management. Two cases of OHSS, representing the spectrum of this problem, are presented along with a review of the literature.     

An unusual cause of tachycardia, hypotension, and intraabdominal free fluid: ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

We report a case of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in a 37-year-old female who had recently underwent assisted reproductive technology involving oocyte retrieval. Her emergency department (ED) presentation, clinical course, and a discussion of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome are also presented. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a critical diagnosis in emergency medicine, and emergency physicians must consider it in the differential for any female nontrauma patient presenting with hypotension, tachycardia, and abdominal pain.     

Gallstone ileus: increased diagnostic sensitivity by combining plain film and ultrasound

Background: Gallstone ileus is an uncommon cause of mechanical obstruction. Its high mortality rate can be reduced with earlier diagnosis and treatment. We wanted to determine whether ultrasound (US) performed after plain film increases the sensitivity for the preoperative diagnosis. Methods: We performed a 5-year retrospective analysis of radiologic and sonographic results of 23 patients who had surgery because of gallstone ileus. Results: Rigler's triad was identified by plain abdominal film in two patients (9%) and by US in 16 patients (69%). Plain abdominal film contributed to a definitive diagnosis in four cases and to a probable diagnosis in six cases (sensitivities of 17% for definitive diagnoses and 43% for definitive and probable diagnoses). US confirmed the diagnosis in six cases of probable gallstone ileus and provided the diagnosis in seven of 13 patients without suspected gallstone ileus based on plain abdominal film. The best results were obtained by combining plain film and US findings, with sensitivities of 74% for definitive diagnoses and 96% for definitive plus probable diagnoses. Conclusion: The preoperative diagnosis of gallstone ileus significantly increases by combining plain film and US findings. Received: 7 July 2000/Revision accepted: 4 October 2000     

Lemierre's syndrome: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) finds a new home

Lemierre's syndrome is septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, arising as a complication of an oropharyngeal infection. This thrombophlebitis frequently results in septic emboli to organs such as the lungs. The causative agent in most previously described cases is Fusobacterium necrophorum, an anaerobic Gram-negative organism. We present the case of an 8-year-old previously healthy girl who came to the Emergency Department with a 5-day history of left-sided neck pain and was subsequently diagnosed with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Lemierre's syndrome. MRSA has not previously been described in Lemierre's syndrome in the Emergency Medicine literature. The clinical presentation, findings, and management of the syndrome are discussed. Regardless of etiology, once the diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome is made, long-term broad-spectrum intravenous therapy will be necessary.     

Cost analysis of plasma-exchange therapy for the treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome

Objective: To undertake a cost analysis of therapeutic strategies with plasma exchange (PE) for the treatment of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Design: A randomized clinical trial including 556 patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome. We demonstrated that in the group with mild disease (walking possible) two PEs were more effective than none in shortening the time to beginning motor recovery. In the groups with moderate disease (walking impossible) and or severe disease (mechanically ventilated patients) four sessions were more effective than two and no more effective than six in shortening the time to recovery of walking with assistance and for the recovery rate of full muscle strength within 1 year. Data on outcomes and costs was collected. Complete cost data were available on 546 from the 556 patients of the trial. Costs were estimated from the viewpoint of the healthcare system and computed over a 1-year period. Because the analysis of medical outcomes did not show any difference regarding mortality but only on intermediate short-term and long-term outcomes, we carried out a cost minimization analysis. Results: In two groups a dominant strategy appeared, with greater efficacy and lower costs in the two-PE arm for the mild group: 21,353 euros vs. 38,753 euros and in the four-PE arm in the moderate group: 59,480 euros vs. 80,737 euros. In the severe group four PEs were as efficient and somewhat less expensive than six: 57,621 vs. 61,056 euros. Conclusion: The treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome by PE at the onset of disease appears to have medical justification. The least expensive strategies are either more or equally efficient as more expensive strategies. Received: 3 November 1999 Final revision received: 5 May 2000 Accepted: 9 May 2000