ABSTRACT
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a condition inherently related to controlled ovarian stimulation.
It can, however, occur in a spontaneous ovulatory cycle. The underlying mechanism of this rarity is believed to be related to a mutation in the FSH receptor (1). Typically, OHSS occurs as an iatrogenic complication in women undergoing IVF/ICSI due to the supra-physiological doses of gonadotrophins, which are used to induce multifollicular growth. OHSS is a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms. The majority of these symptoms are a result of increased vascular permeability of the gonadotropin-primed ovaries. The syndrome can be best characterized by bilaterally enlarged ovaries due to multiple follicular and thecal lutein ovarian cysts. In addition to the physical enlargement of ovaries, an acute shift of intravascular fluid distribution occurs, causing clinical ascites, leading to serious complications and, ultimately, death (2-5).
