The clinical diversity of primary hypothyroidism presenting as a spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Abstract

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) usually occurs in patients undergoing assisted reproduction techniques and ovulation induction. Its variant, spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a potentially life-threatening disorder, is uncommon and only a few cases have been reported in association with hypothyroidism. This study analysed five patients with untreated chronic hypothyroidism presenting with multicystic ovaries, isosexual precocious puberty, and delayed bone age; subsequently, the follow-up and regression of ovarian pathology was assessed. Two patients had presented to the emergency department with menorrhagia and hypotension, of these, one had ovarian torsion at presentation. Three patients presented to the outpatient department: one for evaluation of short stature, one for premature menarche, and another with polycystic ovaries. They were all diagnosed with long-standing, untreated chronic hypothyroidism. There was regression of the size of the cystic ovaries on subsequent follow-up. In all these patients, long-standing hypothyroidism had resulted in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The potentially life-threatening complications of this syndrome may be prevented by careful screening and a strong index of clinical suspicion at the outset.