A woman with polycystic ovary syndrome treated for infertility by in vitro fertilization.

BACKGROUND

A 25-year-old South Asian woman presented at an infertility unit with a 2-year history of anovulatory infertility. She had experienced irregular and infrequent periods for over a decade.

INVESTIGATIONS: Endocrine profile (follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-function test, prolactin, testosterone), oral glucose tolerance test and pelvic ultrasonography were performed.

DIAGNOSIS: Polycystic ovary syndrome, in accordance with the recent Rotterdam consensus (2004) criteria.

MANAGEMENT: The patient failed to conceive by conventional ovulation-induction therapies with clomifene and gonadotropins. She subsequently underwent an in vitro fertilization cycle, to which she over-responded and developed a severe form of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The diagnosis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome was based on clinical and ultrasonographic features. She was hospitalized and needed extensive supportive care, including insertion of chest and abdominal drains.