Pulmonary thromboembolism as a result of ovarian vein thrombosis after laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy for uterine myoma

Pulmonary thromboembolism is a potentially life-threatening disorder, which can occur secondary to deep vein thrombosis. Ovarian vein thrombosis has classically been considered to be a postpartum complication and is less frequently associated with other disease processes, such as recent pelvic surgery. Herein, we report a case of pulmonary thromboembolism as a result of ovarian vein thrombosis in a 39-year-old woman after an uneventful laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy for uterine myoma. On postoperative day 3, the patient experienced fever of unknown origin, followed by lower abdominal pain, chest discomfort and shortness of breath. A hematological examination revealed an elevated D-dimer level. Computerized tomography revealed pulmonary thromboembolism caused by left ovarian vein thrombosis. The administration of anticoagulants resolved the symptoms. In order to avoid significant morbidities and potential mortality, attention should be paid to the possibility of pulmonary thromboembolism resulting from ovarian vein thrombosis, even after minimally invasive gynecologic surgery for benign conditions.