Thromboembolic disease associated with ovarian stimulation and assisted conception techniques

• Published in: Human reproduction (Oxford) Vol. 12; no. 10; pp. 2167 - 2173
• Main Authors: Stewart, J A, Hamilton, P J, Murdoch, A P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Oxford University Press 01.10.1997
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Cardiology. Vascular system; Diseases of the peripheral vessels. Diseases of the vena cava. Miscellaneous; Female; Humans; Medical sciences; Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome - complications; Ovulation Induction - adverse effects; Reproductive Techniques - adverse effects; Risk Factors; Thromboembolism - etiology; Vascular disease; Induction; Risk factor; Assisted procreation; Cardiovascular disease; Complication; Female; Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome; Stimulation; Ovulation; Thrombosis
• ISSN: 0268-1161; 1460-2350
• DOI: 10.1093/humrep/12.10.2167

Thromboembolic disease, as a complication of ovarian stimulation and assisted conception techniques, is generally considered to be a rare complication of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and, by implication, lower limb in origin. Sporadic cases of unusually sited thromboses, both venous and arterial, have been reported. This paper aims to draw attention to the relatively large number of such thromboses reported in the world literature compared with those cited in previous commentaries, and to emphasize how little is known about their pathogenesis. It is believed that this is an issue which requires to be addressed in order to understand the background pathology to such incidents and if possible to identify women at greatest risk from such potentially debilitating or fatal complications, such that appropriate prophylactic measures can be taken.