Successful pregnancy after transient ovarian failure following treatment of symptomatic leiomyomata.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of transient ovarian failure after treatment of symptomatic leiomyomata and review other iatrogenic causes of transient ovarian failure.


METHODS
Case report and literature review.


METHODS
University-affiliated private practice.


METHODS
A 35-year-old woman with symptomatic leiomyomata.


METHODS
Bilateral uterine artery embolization with subsequent abdominal myomectomy to treat unchanged regular heavy menstrual flow.


METHODS
Ovarian function.


RESULTS
Because medical therapy failed to control her menorrhagia, the patient proceeded with uterine artery embolization. She had persistent menorrhagia after bilateral uterine artery embolization and underwent exploratory laparotomy and myomectomy. After surgery, she had amenorrhea, hot flushes, and elevated FSH levels for 3 months. Ovarian function recovered after a short course of oral contraceptives, and the patient conceived without assistance.


CONCLUSIONS
Several interventions can affect normal ovarian function and can lead to permanent or transient ovarian failure. Possible causes of transient ovarian failure are radioactive iodine treatment, radiation, chemotherapy, pelvic surgery, stress, and uterine artery embolization. Before these interventions are applied, the possibility of ovarian failure and available preventive measures should be discussed with the patient.
Kovacs
Peter
P
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA. pkovcs@aol.com
Stangel
John J
JJ
Santoro
Nanette F
NF
Lieman
Harry
H
D000328:Adult; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000601:surgery*; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013997:Time Factors; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral