A superior mesenteric vein thrombosis associated with in vitro fertilization

Objective: To describe a case of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis associated with IVF. Design: Case report. Setting: University teaching hospital. Patient(s): A 33-year-old female developed progressive abdominal pain several days after ET in her first IVF cycle. A computed tomography scan 12 days after ET showed a superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. Intervention(s): Therapeutic anticoagulation. Main Outcome Measure(s): Resolution of the superior mesenteric vein thrombosis with therapeutic anticoagulation. Result(s): Early diagnosis and treatment of a superior mesenteric vein thrombosis associated with IVF led to a favorable outcome. Conclusion(s): Endocrine alterations consequent to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF place patients at risk for thromboembolic events. Thromboembolic events may occur during an IVF cycle in the absence of overt ovarian hyperstimulation, an inherited thrombophilia, or pregnancy. Early diagnosis and treatment of superior mesenteric vein thrombosis can lead to a favorable outcome. Treatment guidelines for superior mesenteric vein thrombosis in setting of IVF are discussed. (Fertil Steril (R) 2011;95:804.e11-e13. (C)2011 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)