A tale of two syndromes: ovarian hyperstimulation and abdominal compartment

Abdominal compartment syndrome complicated severe ovarian hyperstimulation in a 35 year old woman with multiple bowel resections due to Crohn's diseas e. Pain from ovarian enlargement necessitated hospital admission. Despite i ntravenous fluid administration and heparin prophylaxis, ilio-femoral deep vein thrombosis developed. Treatment by intravenous heparin was complicated by repeated intra-ovarian bleeding, anaemia and acute renal failure requir ing haemodialysis. Intra-abdominal pressures were elevated. After placement of an inferior vena caval filter and discontinuation of heparin, there was slow spontaneous recovery without surgery.