Internal jugular vein thrombosis after assisted conception therapy

Superovulation therapy during assisted conception may result in a hypercoag ulable state. Five cases of upper extremity venous thrombosis were identifi ed in women who conceived after ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilizat ion (IVF). They presented between 7 and 10 weeks' gestation with neck pain and swelling. Three had been treated for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and two had evidence of inherited thrombophilia. Four patients received thr omboprophylaxis before presentation. Although thrombosis is an uncommon com plication of IVF, patients should be counselled before treatment. Thromboph ilia screening may be considered for 'high-risk' patients, although current regimes for thromboprophylaxis remain suboptimal.