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Vacuolated oocytes: fertilization and embryonic arrest following intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection in a patient exhibiting persistent oocyte macro vacuolization—Case report

  • Gamete Biology
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Abstract

Purpose

To describe a case of homogeneous macro vacuolar formation in oocytes from a patient undergoing IVF/ICSI over 3 cycles and implications thereof.

Methods

Case report and analysis of cycle outcomes including spindle visualization to determine severity of internal disruption caused.

Results

Characteristic macro vacuoles (>25 μm diameter) were identified in the vast majority of oocytes. Spindle visualization identified that macro vacuoles were not associated with spindle displacement. IVF resulted in failed fertilization. Low numbers of fertilized oocytes were obtained through ICSI. The vast majority of embryos exhibited maturation arrest on day 2.

Conclusions

It is likely that persistent Oocyte Macro Vacuolization is the cause of infertility in this patient. It probably has a biological basis and possibly a genetic cause, resulting in either uncontrollable endocytosis or poor exocytosis and consequent vacuolar formation.

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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jason Kasraie.

Additional information

Capsule

A woman exhibited repeated homogeneous oocyte macro vacuolization over 3 cycles of IVF/ICSI. Spindle displacement did not occur. Embryonic arrest observed on day 2.

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Wallbutton, S., Kasraie, J. Vacuolated oocytes: fertilization and embryonic arrest following intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection in a patient exhibiting persistent oocyte macro vacuolization—Case report. J Assist Reprod Genet 27, 183–188 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-010-9399-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-010-9399-2

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