title: The empty follicle syndrome.
abstract: The empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is characterized by the lack of retrieved oocytes from follicles after ovulation induction and apparently normal follicular development for in vitro fertilization, despite repeated aspiration and flushing. The underlying mechanism of the EFS remains hypothetical. Some Authors have suggested that it is related to the "cause" leading to female infertility, whereas others have pointed to the alternative suggestion that it might reflect dysfunctional folliculogenesis, with early oocyte atresia and apparently normal hormonal response. Moreover, some Authors believe that the EFS does not exist, and that the oocyte retrieval failure is a pharmacological fault. The risk of recurrence is higher as the age of the patients increases. The EFS cannot be predicted by the pattern of ovarian response to stimulation either sonographically or hormonally. Consequently, the diagnosis of EFS is retrospective. Whatever the underlying cause of an EFS cycle, patients with an EFS cycle should be counselled regarding the possibility of recurrence of such an event in future cycles.
authors.affiliation: Reproductive Endocrinology and Human Reproduction Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. argic@med.auth.gr
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kourtis
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rousso
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Panidis
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D009865:Oocytes; D006080:Ovarian Follicle; D013577:Syndrome