SALPINGITIS OR OOPHORITIS - WHAT CAUSES FEVER FOLLOWING OOCYTE ASPIRATION AND EMBRYO TRANSFER

Background: Febrile morbidity following in vitro fertilization and emb ryo transfer (IVF-ET) is a rare but possibly serious complication. Thi s report describes a case of salpingitis after IVF-ET and discusses th e possible reasons for febrile morbidity following this common procedu re. Case: A 37-year-old woman undergoing IVF-ET for tubal factor infer tility developed sudden, severe pelvic pain, fever, and leukocytosis 2 4 hours after ET. Laparoscopy revealed bilateral suppurative pyosalpin ges with cystic, hemorrhagic ovaries. Pain, fever, and leukocytosis re solved with conservative surgery and intravenous antibiotic therapy. C onclusions: This case presents laparoscopic documentation of a rare co mplication of oocyte aspiration and/or ET, namely, salpingitis. Possib ilities for the development of salpingitis following IVF-ET include ac tivation of quiescent bacteria within the fallopian tubes from a previ ous pelvic infection, puncture of the bowel during oocyte aspiration, inoculation of the pelvis with cervicovaginal flora during oocyte aspi ration, and introduction of bacteria-laden secretions or air into the fallopian tubes during ET. Although rare, the possibility of severe pe lvic infection following IVF-ET warrants consideration of prophylactic antibiotic coverage.