Bilateral internal jugular thrombosis associated with thrombophilia after ovarian induction for infertility

Thromboembolic events are an infrequent complication of hormonal treatment for infertility and are generally related to the hyperstimulated ovarian syndrome (HOS). Jugular vein thrombosis is an unusual site of thrombosis and when present one should look for a predisposing factor. We describe a 31-year-old woman, with no previous medical history, non-smoker, who received a single cycle of hormonal stimulation for in vitro fertilisation due to primary infertility. During her eighth week of a twin pregnancy, she consulted the emergency room where the diagnosis of bilateral jugular thrombosis was confirmed, in absence of HOS or any known predisposing factor. In subsequent studies, the presence of Factor V Leyden and a mutation of G 20210 prothrombin were found. These, in association to the hormonal stimulus, were considered the risk factors. She received anticoagulation treatment with low molecular weight heparin. Screening tests for thrombophilias before hormonal treatment is not recommended, but one could consider this possibility in high-risk patients or in those who develop thrombosis in the absence of any predisposing factors.