Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome with pleural effusion: a case report

BACKGROUND: To report a case of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) with right pleural effusion following controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old woman had severe OHSS as a complication of gonadotropin stimulation. The clinical picture showed enlarged ovaries, massive ascites, pleural effusion, abdominal pain, and dyspnea. Beside the medical treatment, abdominal paracentesis for the drainage of the massive ascites and tube thoracostomy were performed, resulting in expansion of the lung. CONCLUSION: Physicians can reduce the risk of OHSS by monitoring gonadotropin therapy and by withholding human chorionic gonadotropin medication. In in vitro fertilization protocols it can be advantageous to postpone the embryo transfer by freezing the embryos. Placement of a chest tube is a safe and efficient method for the treatment of pleural effusion.