Internal jugular vein thrombosis after assisted conception therapy

Abstract

Superovulation therapy during assisted conception may result in a hypercoagulable state. Five cases of upper extremity venous thrombosis were identified in women who conceived after ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF). They presented between 7 and 10 weeks' gestation with neck pain and swelling. Three had been treated for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and two had evidence of inherited thrombophilia. Four patients received thromboprophylaxis before presentation. Although thrombosis is an uncommon complication of IVF, patients should be counselled before treatment. Thrombophilia screening may be considered for ‘high‐risk’ patients, although current regimes for thromboprophylaxis remain suboptimal.

Deep vein thrombosis followed by internal jugular vein thrombosis as a complication of in vitro fertilization in a woman heterozygous for the prothrombin 3′ UTR and factor V Leiden mutations

“…Thomas et al [12] reported the first case of internal jugular vein thrombosis following in vitro fertilization in a woman with protein S deficiency and heterozygosity for the prothrombin 3Ј UTR mutation, despite anticoagulation with heparin. In October 2001, Arya et al [13] published 5 cases of internal jugular vein thrombosis after assisted conception therapy, two of which had evidence of inherited thrombophilia.…”

Combined jugular and subclavian vein thrombosis following assisted reproductive technology—new observation

“…However, prophylactic treatment with heparin or even full treatment with low molecular weight heparin at the time of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome did not prevent development of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis in some of the patients (9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14).…”

Anticoagulants in Pregnancy

“…The number of women treated with assisted reproductive technologies is increasing and often these women have additional risk factors for thrombosis such as age over 35 years. The most common site for thrombosis in this situation is the internal jugular vein presenting with neck pain and swelling [9]. Thus, a thrombosis risk assessment should be undertaken in women undergoing ovarian stimulation with gondotrophins and appropriate thromboprophylaxis should be provided if the risk of thrombosis is considered significant.…”