Bilateral massive bloody pleural effusions as a rare presentation of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary complications related to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) can occur following assisted reproductive technologies (ART). However, bloody pleural effusions are exceedingly rare. We present a case of a patient who underwent ART treatment and developed OHSS, subsequently experiencing bilateral massive bloody pleural effusion.

CASE REPORT: A 32-year-old woman with primary infertility underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. After oocyte retrieval, she presented to the emergency department with a chief complaint of abdominal distention and chest pain. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, complicated by bilateral massive bloody pleural effusion (exudative), was diagnosed. Her d-dimer was initially elevated, then decreased gradually, and her shortness of breath improved. The patient was discharged without any clinical sequelae.

CONCLUSION

OHSS can lead to life-threatening complications such as pleural effusion and, in rare cases, bloody pleural effusion. Following oocyte retrieval, an elevated d-dimer level has no specific diagnostic role and should only be used to rule out thromboembolic events.