Subclavian vein thrombosis following IVF and ovarian hyperstimulation: a case report

Thromboembolic phenomena are a serious consequence of assisted reproductive technology. We present a case of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) at 7 weeks gestation following ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and IVF. Three weeks after recovering from OHSS, the patient presented with left neck pain and swelling. Ultrasound revealed a thrombus in the left jugular vein and left subclavian vein. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was initiated with symptom resolution within 1 week. The patient remained on LWMH throughout her pregnancy and delivered at term. A literature review showed 97 published cases of thromboembolism following ovulation induction. A majority of these cases was associated with OHSS and pregnancy and the site of involvement was predominantly in the upper extremity and neck. Infertility physicians and obstetricians should be aware of this complication and keep in mind that it may occur weeks after resolution of OHSS symptoms.     

Internal jugular vein thrombosis after ovarian stimulation

Thromboembolic events are serious, but fortunately rare, complications following ovarian stimulation for IVF. Here, we report a case of internal jugular vein thrombosis after ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophins. Most of the cases of thrombosis are late complications of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) or hereditary hypercoagulability. Screening for these risk factors in our patient was negative. The patient was successfully treated with low molecular weight heparin and a twin pregnancy is ongoing.     

Internal jugular vein thrombosis caused by resistance to activated protein C as a complication of ovarian hyperstimulation after in-vitro fertilization

We present a case of a 24 year old woman who became pregnant(twins) after human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG)-induced ovarianstimulation, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and subsequent embryotransfer. She developed a right internal jugular vein thrombosisas a complication of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome(OHSS) 28 days after embryo transfer. The thrombosis developedin spite of anticoagulation with low-dose heparin. Later a resistanceto activated protein C (APC) or Dahlbäck disease was diagnosed.Due to a new test procedure (accelerin inactivation test), thediagnosis was possible even under anti-coagulation treatment.The coincidence of hyperstimulation and internal jugular veinthrombosis with the concurrent diagnosis of resistance to APChas not been published previously. The benefit of general screeningfor resistance to APC before admission to the IVF programmeshould be weighed. Targeted selection of a group of high-riskwomen would therefore be made possible.     

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Thromboembolic events are serious but rare complications followingovarian stimulation for in-vitro fertilization (IVF). We reporta case of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), presentingin a second IVF cycle with a late complication of right internaljugular vein thrombosis despite mini-dose heparin prophylaxis.Thrombosis and thromboembolism as late complications of OHSShave been reported by others but not after prophylactic heparinization.The patient was successfully treated with heparin and the twinpregnancy is ongoing. In pregnant patients with severe OHSSconsideration should be given to treatment with low dose heparinthroughout the first trimester to prevent the serious complicationsof thrombosis and thromboembolism.     

Subclavian vein thrombosis: a late complication of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Two cases of subclavian vein thrombosis following ovarian stimulation for in-vitro fertilization and subsequent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) are described. Both occurred several weeks after complete resolution of the OHSS. The site of the lesions and their timing suggest that there is a generalized disturbance of coagulation associated with OHSS, which persists beyond the duration of the clinical syndrome.     

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and benign intracranial hypertension in pregnancy after in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: case report.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a dangerous and sometimes life-threatening complication of ovulation induction with exogenous gonadotrophins. While many complications of severe OHSS are recognized we have only identified one review detailing neurological problems. This report concerns a 32-year-old patient with bilateral tubal blockage who achieved her first pregnancy following in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer. Shortly after embryo transfer she developed clinical signs of moderate OHSS with symptoms which were later diagnosed as benign intracranial hypertension (BIH). The BIH was treated effectively using repeated lumbar puncture and diuretics. Spontaneous labour and delivery occurred at 40 weeks' gestation. There was no neurological sequel and no recurrence of the BIH 2 years after the pregnancy. The possible link between OHSS and BIH is discussed as well as the risks of further pregnancy.     

Thromboembolism after ovarian stimulation: successful management of a woman with superior sagittal sinus thrombosis after IVF and embryo transfer: case report

The current literature was reviewed in order to analyse the clinical manifestations, progression and management, and pregnancy outcome of thromboembolism in infertile patients undergoing ovarian stimulation. The first case of superior sagittal sinus thrombosis following IVF that was successfully managed with intracranial thrombectomy is also reported. This retrospective cohort study comprised 65 women who experienced thromboembolism after ovarian stimulation (64 from other published studies and the present case report). Thrombosis attack occurred at a mean (+/-SD) of 25.5 +/- 20.1 days after oocyte retrieval. The onset timing in the intracranial thrombosis group (10.2 +/- 4.6 days) was less (P < 0.05) than in those experiencing thromboembolism at other sites. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), haemoconcentration and high serum estradiol level were noted in 79, 62 and 54% of women respectively. Forty-eight of 55 patients (87%) who received anticoagulation recovered without sequelae. Among patients willing to continue pregnancy, 32% succeeded in term delivery with all healthy babies, and 23% were ongoing pregnancies. In conclusion, ovarian stimulation cycles accompanying high serum estradiol levels, haemoconcentration or OHSS are at potential risk of thromboembolism. Dose-adjusted heparinization is recommended as the first-line treatment of choice, while intravascular thrombolysis or operative thrombectomy is an aggressive but effective treatment. Continuation of pregnancy is considered safe, without any increased risk of fetal congenital anomalies.     

Case report: Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and icterus

Severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) leads to changesin laboratory analyte concentrations. Whereas elevated aminotransferaseactivity is often observed, a cholestatic course with hyperbilirubinaemiaand icterus seldom occurs. In this report, the case of a 33year old patient with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is describedwho, after stimulation with human menopausal gonadotro-phin(HMG), developed severe OHSS with haemoconcen-tration, asdtes,hydrothorax, elevated aminotransferases, hyperbilirubinaemiaand icterus. The patient did not become pregnant and the OHSSregressed, together with the normalization of laboratory andclinical parameters and disappearance of the icterus. Duringthe course of an OHSS cholestasis with icterus may occur, whichcould be explained by a reactive cholestatic hepatosis as areaction to the hormonal changes induced by the stimulationtherapy.     

脑静脉与静脉窦血栓形成累及的结构及其影像学特征研究

目的探讨脑静脉及静脉窦血栓形成(CVST)累及的结构及影像学特征。方法回顾性分析152例经临床及影像检查确诊为CVST患者的临床资料,观察CVST累及的结构,分析其影像学特征。结果152例CVST中,最常受累的静脉结构为横窦(57.2%),其次为上矢状窦(51.9%)、乙状窦(48%)、颈内静脉(12.5%),超过50%的CVST累及多个静脉窦,皮质静脉及深静脉血栓少见;上矢状窦血栓以中段血栓最为常见。39.5%的患者存在脑实质损害,最为常见的是脑水肿或脑肿胀,其次是静脉性脑梗死、颅内出血等;CVST最为常见的CT影像学特征依次是高密度三角征、条带征,而高密度点征、火焰征少见;MRI的特征性表现为静脉血管腔血液流空效应消失;DSA表现为静脉窦腔狭窄、显影变淡或完全不显影,侧支静脉异常扩张。结论CVST主要累及横窦及上矢状窦中段,常同时阻塞多个静脉窦;常见的直接影像学特征有条带征、三角征及血管充盈缺损;间接影像征象有脑水肿、脑出血、静脉性脑梗死等。了解脑静脉及静脉窦的结构及CVST影像学特征对CVST的早期诊断具有重要意义。     

One-month versus six-month therapy with oral anticoagulants after symptomatic deep vein thrombosis

The length of time for which deep vein thrombosis (DVT) should be treated with oral anticoagulants (OA) is controversial. In this study, 135 patients with symptomatic first period DVT (83% with proximal DVT) were randomly allocated to OA for one or six months. The diagnosis of initial and recurrent DVT was confirmed by phlebography or plethysmography and thermography, or by a combination of all these methods. Pulmonary emboli were confirmed by lung scans or at autopsy. The patients were followed for at least one year. One patient had to discontinue OA prematurely because of haemorrhage. Seventeen patients left the project for other reasons, ten during and seven after therapy; in one of these DVT recurred. The recurrence rate during the first year was high (17% symptomatic recurrences) irrespective of whether OA had been given for one or six months.     

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome complicated by peritonitis due to perforated appendicitis

We describe a case of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) complicated by peritonitis due to perforated appendicitis. A 29-year-old woman presented with abdominal distension after ovarian stimulation with HMG followed by ovulation induction with HCG. Massive ascites with swollen ovaries was observed on ultrasound, and she was admitted on the diagnosis of OHSS. Daily infusion of serum albumin and low dose dopamine failed to increase her urine output and her abdominal symptoms became increasingly deteriorated after her urine pregnancy test turned out to be positive. Paracentesis performed for alleviation of her abdominal distension revealed infected, foul-smelling fluid. An emergency laparotomy was performed, and the definite diagnosis was made as panperitonitis due to perforated appendicitis with right tubal pregnancy. Appendectomy, right tubectomy and vigorous irrigation with drainage were performed. The case implies that OHSS might not only mask typical manifestations of appendicitis, but could also compromise concurrent intraperitoneal infection.     

Intracerebral Hemorrhage due to Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome after Vaccination against COVID-19: the First Fatal Case in Korea

Vaccination with an adenoviral vector vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can result in the rare development of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia mediated by platelet-activating antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4). This is a life-threating condition that may be accompanied by bleeding due to thrombocytopenia with thrombosis of the cerebral venous sinus or splanchnic vein. Herein, we describe the first fatal case of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Korea, presenting with intracranial hemorrhage caused by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. A 33-year-old Korean man received the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination. He developed severe headache with vomiting 9 days after the vaccination. Twelve days after vaccination, he was admitted to the hospital with neurological symptoms and was diagnosed with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, which was accompanied by intracranial hemorrhage. Thrombocytopenia and D-dimer elevation were observed, and the result of the PF4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antibody test was reported to be strongly positive. Despite intensive treatment, including intravenous immunoglobulin injection and endovascular mechanical thrombectomy, the patient died 19 days after vaccination. Physicians need to be aware of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) in adenoviral vector-vaccinated patients. Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy might be a useful therapeutic option for the treatment of TTS with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.     

The questionable use of albumin for the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in an IVF programme: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND: The role of intravenous (IV) albumin administration in the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and in the improvement of IVF conception outcomes was evaluated in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled double blind study. METHODS: Ninety-eight women were enrolled in the study and were consecutively assigned to either a treatment group or a control group. Eleven patients were lost to follow-up after assignment. Of the remaining 87 women, 46 received albumin on the day of oocyte retrieval, and 41 received 0.9% sodium chloride solution as a placebo control. Outcome measures included OHSS incidence rates and pregnancy rates in the two trial groups. RESULTS: Four of the 46 patients in the study group developed severe OHSS and six developed moderate OHSS. In the control group, one of the 41 developed severe OHSS and five developed moderate OHSS. The difference in OHSS incidence rates between the two groups was not statistically significant [relative risk (RR) = 1.49, 95% CI = 0.59-3.73]. Fourteen patients (30%) in the intervention group conceived, compared with 16 patients (39%) in the control group. The difference in conception rates between the two groups was not statistically significant (RR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.44-1.39). CONCLUSIONS: Albumin appears to have no positive effect on OHSS or conception rates, while its use carries the risk of undesirable side effects, including exacerbation of ascites in OHSS, nausea, vomiting, febrile reaction, allergic reaction, anaphylactic shock and risk of virus and prion transmission. We suggest that this form of treatment should not be included in the prevention of OHSS.     

Intravenous albumin does not prevent moderate-severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in high-risk IVF patients: a randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND: Intravenous albumin administration has been described for many years as a debatable, but probably useful preventive measure in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The present study details the largest randomized controlled trial to date of albumin infusion versus no treatment in IVF patients with a high risk of developing moderate to severe OHSS. METHODS: Between March 1999 and February 2002, women undergoing IVF at the IVI Valencia with >20 retrieved oocytes were included. A total of 988 patients was initially enrolled. Immediately after oocyte retrieval, patients were allocated to two groups based on a computer randomization: the first group received 40 g human albumin; the second group received no treatment. Subjects were weighed and a blood analysis performed immediately after oocyte retrieval and again 7 days later. Women were monitored on an outpatient basis until menstruation, or until fetal heart activity was detected. Twelve subjects were excluded due to follow-up loss, leaving 976 women (377 of them oocyte donors), with 488 in each group. RESULTS: No difference was found between the two groups in terms of patient characteristics and outcome. Moderate-severe and severe-only OHSS rates were similar. The incidence of haemoconcentration and liver and renal dysfunction at 7 days after oocyte retrieval was similar in the two groups. In women who developed moderate/severe (n = 66) or only severe (n = 46) OHSS, there was no difference based on prior albumin administration between blood parameters or body weight on the day of oocyte retrieval, 7 days later, and even when comparing variation between both measurements. Moreover, the number of patients with paracentesis, hospital admissions, complications and days of OHSS until resolution did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: Albumin infusion on the day of oocyte retrieval is not a useful means of preventing the development of moderate-severe OHSS.     

Continuation of GnRH agonist administration for 1 week,after hCG injection,prevents ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome following elective cryopreservation of all pronucleate embryos

BACKGROUND: An approach consisting of elective cryopreservation of all embryos has been proposed for patients at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Although elective cryopreservation can prevent pregnancy-induced late OHSS, it cannot prevent early OHSS. Early OHSS is reported to have been complicated with thromboembolism. The study was carried out to assess the efficacy with which the continued administration of GnRH agonist for 1 week after 5000 IU of hCG injection could prevent early OHSS. METHODS: This study employed an open controlled clinical trial at three centres for treatment of infertility in Sapporo. A total of 138 patients at risk of OHSS during IVF-embryo transfer from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 1999, were assigned in turn either to a group with elective cryopreservation of all pronucleate embryos (n = 68) or to one with continuation of GnRH agonist administration for 1 week after hCG injection following elective cryopreservation (n = 70). Subsequently, they were transferred in hormone replacement cycles. The development of severe OHSS (ascites, haemoconcentration) was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 10% of patients developed severe OHSS necessitating hospitalization because of a marked increase in ascites in the upper abdomen and the haemoconcentration in the elective cryopreservation alone group. On the other hand, none developed severe OHSS in the GnRH agonist continuation group. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, continuation of GnRH agonist for 1 week after hCG injection prevented severe early OHSS following elective cryopreservation of all embryos. This treatment is safe and cost-beneficial, and should be performed promptly for patients at risk of OHSS.     

Massive thrombosis after central venous catheterization in a patient with previously undiagnosed Behcet's disease.

Thrombosis is an important complication of central venous catheterization. Among the many intrinsic and extrinsic factors, the patient's medical disease can play a role in thrombogenesis. Behcet's disease (BD), classified as a vasculitis, is a multisystem disease involving the small blood vessels. It is often difficult to recognize and diagnose the disease. A 24-yr-old female patient showed massive central venous thrombosis which caused superior vena cava syndrome after subclavian vein catheterization. Twenty days after catheterization, the patient exhibited swelling of the face, neck, and both upper extremities. Despite thrombectomy and continuous anticoagulation therapy, her facial and upper extremity swelling reappeared and follow-up chest computed tomography (CT) showed the recurrent thrombosis in the same central veins previously affected. A diagnosis of BD was then made. Following steroid therapy, neither clinical symptoms nor CT findings suggestive of central venous thrombosis were observed during the subsequent 6-months of follow-up period. This case emphasizes that central venous catheterization in a patient with BD should be performed with great caution.     

Arachnoid granulations in the cerebral dural sinuses as demonstrated by contrast-enhanced 3D magnetic resonance venography

Introduction Identification of normal filling defects within the intracranial dural sinuses reduces the erroneous diagnosis of the presence of an intrasinus pathologic process. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the prevalence, distribution, and morphological characteristics of arachnoid granulations (AGs) in the dural sinuses. Methods This prospective study was carried out on 110 patients who had both normal conventional brain MRI and contrast-enhanced (CE) 3D turbo flash magnetic resonance venography (MRV). The dural sinuses were viewed on MRV images for the presence of filling defects. The prevalence, site, size, number, shape, outlines, internal structure, and presence of associated cortical vein were determined. Results One hundred and twenty-six AGs were observed among 71 patients. The superior sagittal sinus was the most common site of filling defects (58 AGs). The mean size of AGs was 6.45 ± 3.55 mm. Eighty-three percent of AGs were round or oval, with sharp outlines and homogeneous internal structure; of these 81% were associated with cortical vein. Conclusions In the majority of cases, the identification of AGs can be facilitated by their characteristic appearances: rounded or oval shaped, well-defined outlines and homogenous intensity. The presence of an adjacent cortical vein can be considered as an additional supportive element.     

Popliteal vascular entrapment syndrome caused by variant lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle leading to pulmonary artery embolism

A young man with popliteal vascular entrapment syndrome (PVES) presented with arterial occlusion, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary artery embolism, and pulmonary hypertension. He received computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both CT and MRI showed that the left thrombosed popliteal vein and artery were entrapped by a variant lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. The anomalous slip originated from the lateral head of left gastrocnemius muscle and ended between the medial and lateral femoral condyles. PVES Type V was diagnosed. Compression of the popliteal vein without arterial compression can be explained by the more lateral location of the popliteal vein relative to the artery and its proximity to the lateral head of the gastrocnemius. Compression of the popliteal vein with arterial compression was found in this patient. Compression of popliteal vein and artery in this patient led to DVT and arterial occlusion. The case was the first reported case accompanied by popliteal vein and artery thrombosis caused by variant lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. Radiologists and doctors should continue to look for possible abnormalities in the popliteal fossa in young patients with peripheral vascular disease because early diagnosis of PVES allows better choices and outcomes of treatment. Clin. Anat. 25:986–988, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Bilateral partial oophorectomy in the management of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. An aggressive,but perhaps life-saving procedure

Two case histories are described, in which protracted courses of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) responded poorly to conservative treatment. Each patient underwent bilateral partial oophorectomy at 14 and 16 days respectively, post oocyte retrieval. Serum albumin levels returned to normal within three days of the operation in each case and the patients, one pregnant with twins, made a rapid recovery. This seemingly 'aggressive' procedure is proposed as a potentially useful treatment when faced with patients who are severely or critically affected with OHSS.     

颅内多发病变的临床病理学分析

目的 探讨颅内多发病变的临床病理学特征。方法 对2005年1月至2009年12月期间在首都医科大学宣武医院接受治疗病例中,影像学上为颅内多发病变的62例患者的临床、影像以及病理学资料进行回顾性分析。结果 62例中男32例,女30例,平均发病年龄37.4岁,平均病程11.6个月。病灶可累及大脑半球各叶、基底节区、脑干和小脑等部位,以幕上受累较为多见。病理检查结果为：胶质瘤13例,转移瘤13例,中枢神经系统感染12例,免疫介导的炎性脱髓鞘病8例,中枢神经系统原发淋巴瘤5例,血管炎3例,线粒体脑病2例,静脉窦血栓形成2例,Rosai-Dorfman病2例,放射性脑病2例。其中,线粒体脑病、静脉窦血栓形成以皮层受累为主,转移瘤和血源性感染主要累及灰白质交界区,胶质瘤、脱髓鞘疾病和放射性脑病以白质病变为主,血管炎表现为皮层和皮层下白质的病变。结论 多种肿瘤和非肿瘤性疾病在影像学上可以表现为颅内多发病变,其中以胶质瘤、转移瘤和中枢神经系统感染较为多见。积极开展颅内多发病变脑组织活检,临床、影像与病理学密切结合,是提高颅内多发病变诊断水平行之有效的方法。