Sudden Death Due to Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: An Autopsy-Centric Case Report

Reduction of Ovarian Cysts After Endoscopic Surgery for Follicle-Stimulating Hormone-Producing Pituitary Adenoma

A 49-year-old woman presented with irregular menstrual bleeding, elevated estradiol (E2) (665 pg/mL [2441.21 pmol/L]) (reference range [RR]: menstrual period [MP] 20-50 pg/mL; 73.42-183.55 pmol/L), unsuppressed follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (19.3 mIU/mL [19.3 IU/L]) (RR: MP 3.5-10.0 mIU/mL; 3.5-10.0 IU/L), and cystic ovarian enlargement (right ovary, 109 mL; left ovary, 146 mL). A 7-mm pituitary microadenoma was also observed, and 6 months after referral, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery was performed, resulting in a diagnosis of FSH-producing pituitary adenoma. Nine months postoperatively, the ovarian cysts had markedly shrunk. Although FSH-producing pituitary adenomas are rare, approximately 64% of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas are positive for gonadotropin immunostaining. FSH-producing pituitary adenomas are often endocrinologically silent, with symptoms typically triggered by pituitary tumor enlargement. Early diagnosis can be facilitated by measuring FSH and E2 levels in cases of irregular vaginal bleeding, abnormal menstruation, ovarian enlargement, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or infertility. If E2 is elevated but FSH is not suppressed, pituitary magnetic resonance imaging should be performed to identify FSH-producing pituitary adenomas. In cases of FSH-producing pituitary adenomas, including microadenomas, symptoms may improve after tumor resection, making surgery the preferred treatment option.

Fertility Preservation and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome Management in Cancer Care: A Pathophysiological Perspective on Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists and Antagonists

This narrative review delves into the evolving landscape of fertility preservation techniques, with a particular focus on their use in patients undergoing oncology treatment that carries a risk of ovarian insufficiency. Advances in established methods such as cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos are highlighted, and the increasing use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists is discussed. The review also addresses the complexities and controversies associated with these approaches, such as the 'flare-up' effect associated with GnRH agonists and the potential of GnRH antagonists to reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Despite advances in fertility preservation, the report highlights the challenges we face, including the need for personalized treatment protocols and the management of associated risks. It calls for continued research and collaboration between healthcare professionals to refine these techniques and ultimately improve reproductive outcomes for patients facing the prospect of fertility-impairing treatment.

Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women with malignancies undergoing treatment with long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for fertility preservation: a systematic review

Background

Fertility preservation is an important quality of life issue for women of reproductive age undergoing gonadotoxic treatment. The possibility of administering an adjuvant long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) with the aim of reducing the number of follicles susceptible to the effects of chemotherapy and thus reducing the risk of ovarian damage is considered in some international society guidelines, particularly in certain cancers such as breast cancer. Nowadays, the administration of long-acting GnRHa after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for fertility preservation by cryopreservation of oocytes or embryos is increasingly used. However, cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) have been reported following the use of long-acting GnRHa after COH for fertility preservation, indicating that the potential adverse effects of this treatment need to be further investigated.

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review was to comprehensively characterize patients who developed OHSS after treatment with long-acting GnRHa following COH for fertility preservation.

Methods

A comprehensive search of major electronic databases through January 2023 was performed. Studies reporting the use of long-acting GnRHa after COH for fertility preservation and the development of OHSS were included. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results were synthesized qualitatively.

Results

Three studies with five patients met the eligibility criteria. The majority of patients were diagnosed with breast cancer and all patients underwent COH for oocyte cryopreservation. OHSS occurred in all patients after administration of long-acting GnRHa. The interval between ovulation induction and administration of long-acting GnRHa thereafter ranged from 3 to 5 days. All patients were treated conservatively and recovered without complications.

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests that the use of long-acting GnRHa after COH for fertility preservation may be associated with OHSS. Healthcare providers should thoroughly discuss the benefits and risks of this intervention with their patients before making a decision. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the causal relationship between long-acting GnRHa and OHSS in this population.

Common carotid artery thrombosis and malignant middle cerebral artery infarction following ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND

Arterial thrombosis is a serious and rare complication of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Herein, we describe a case of OHSS complicated by common carotid artery thrombosis and malignant middle cerebral artery infarction after egg retrieval and before embryo transfer.

CASE SUMMARY

A 32-year-old female with a family history of thrombosis who was undergoing in vitro fertilization due to unexplained infertility, was admitted due to abdominal distension for 3 d and coma for 2 h. She received egg retrieval 7 d ago and embryo transfer had not yet been performed. Blood biochemical analysis showed estrogen of 15781 pmol/L. Gynecological examination showed palpable masses on both sides of the adnexal areas. Ultrasound observed enlarged ovaries and abdominal ascites. Imaging examination of the head and neck revealed fresh malignant middle cerebral artery infarction in the left side of brain and internal carotid artery as well as occlusion in the left carotid artery, internal carotid artery, and middle cerebral artery. The patient was finally diagnosed with severe OHSS, complicated by common carotid artery thrombosis and malignant middle cerebral artery infarction. Liquid replacement, anticoagulation, vascular endothelium protection, brain protection and decompressive craniectomy were carried out. Rehabilitation training was then performed for 6 mo. At present, she has poor speaking ability and decreased muscle strength on the right side.

CONCLUSION

There is a risk of thrombosis during any period of OHSS. During in vitro assisted reproduction, for cases with a family history of thrombosis, hyperlipidemia and other high-risk factors, serum lipid levels should be controlled as soon as possible to improve metabolic dysfunction. When thrombosis occurs, timely and effective treatment should be performed to improve the prognosis.