BACKGROUND:

Ballantyne syndrome is characterized by the triad: fetal, placental and maternal edema. It is an uncommon condition associated with fetal hydrops, in which mother reflects fetal symptoms. It is essential to differentiate from preeclampsia, since there are common signs such as hypertension and proteinuria. Etiopathogenesis is unknown, although theories associated with an imbalance between angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors have been postulated. Treatment consists of ending the pregnancy or improving the fetal situation.

CLINICAL CASE:

We present the case of a 29-years pregnant woman controlled in the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit due to the history of Ballantyne Syndrome in the previous gestation. In the follow-up ultrasound performed at 26-weeks, placentomegaly, fetal ascites and increased amniotic fluid were detected. Subsequent ultrasounds showed polyhydramnios and fetal hydrops at 28-weeks. After maternal edema began, she was diagnosed with recurrent Mirror Syndrome and non-immune hydrops. Admission was indicated and amniodrainage was performed due to symptomatic polyhydramnios. Finally, premature rupture of membranes occurred at 29+6-weeks. She started uterine dynamic after one week, ending in a preterm delivery at 31-weeks after premature rupture of membranes. A 3200gr male was born with Apgar Scores 2-6-8 at 1, 5 and 10min respectively and, after postnatal study, he was diagnosed with multiple ileal perforation. Five surgical interventions were necessary, with a complicated postoperative period and could be discharged at 3 months of age.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mirror syndrome is an underdiagnosed pathology of unknown incidence that can seriously complicate gestation associated with fetal hydrops. Maternal recovery is favorable few days after delivery, but it leads to high fetal morbi-mortality.

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