Patient Demographics
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Summary
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.
Learning points
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Long-standing, untreated primary hypothyroidism may result in spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
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A high index of suspicion is required for an early and accurate diagnosis.
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The requirement for interdepartmental collaboration between gynaecology and endocrinology departments is essential for the successful management of this life-threatening but easily treatable disorder.
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Summary
A 21-year-old female patient recently diagnosed with severe hypothyroidism was found to have a large ovarian cyst. In view of the large ovarian cyst, she was advised to undergo elective laparotomy in the gynaecology department. She was further evaluated in our medical out-patient department (OPD), and elective surgery was withheld. She was started on thyroxine replacement therapy, and within a period of 4 months, the size of the cyst regressed significantly, thereby improving the condition of the patient significantly. This case report highlights the rare and often missed association between hypothyroidism and ovarian cysts. Although very rare, profound hypothyroidism that can cause ovarian cysts in an adult should always be kept in the differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary ovarian surgery.
Learning points
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Hypothyroidism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adult females presenting with multicystic ovarian tumours.
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Adequate thyroid hormone replacement therapy can prevent these patients from undergoing unnecessary and catastrophic ovarian resection.
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Surgical excision should be considered only when adequate thyroid replacement therapy fails to resolve ovarian enlargement.
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In younger women with ovarian cysts, it is also desirable to avoid unnecessary surgery so as to not compromise fertility in the future.
