Severe unilateral hydrothorax as the only manifestation of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Background: Unilateral hydrothorax is rarely the sole manifestation of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and is suggestive of the severity of the disease. Case: A 35-year-old woman presented with mild dyspnea 2 wee ks after ovarian stimulation with hMG and hCG and IVF-ET. Chest X-ray revea led a large pleural effusion on the right side. Three consecutive thoracoce nteses were needed to drain a total of 6,800 cm(3) of fluid. Following drai nage, the respiratory symptoms disappeared. An uneventful pregnancy is in p rogress, Conclusions: Thoracocentesis is safe and efficient for the treatme nt of hydrothorax and may be repeated as often as necessary. Clinicians sho uld be aware of the possibility of unilateral hydrothorax as the sole sympt om of OHSS. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.