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Ballantyne syndrome: a case report.
Delia M Paternoster1, Francesca Manganelli, Daria Minucci
1Department of Gynaecology and Pathophysiology of Human Reproduction, Padua, Italy. paternod@unipd.it
Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy
|December 16, 2005
Summary
Ballantyne syndrome, a rare condition linking fetal edema and maternal preeclampsia, was observed in a 37-year-old pregnant patient. Despite interventions, the fetus tragically died, highlighting the syndrome's severity.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Ballantyne syndrome, also known as mirror syndrome or triple edema, is characterized by fetal and placental hydrops coinciding with maternal preeclampsia.
- This case report details a pregnant patient presenting with fetal hydrothorax at 28 weeks of gestation.
Observation:
- The patient, a 37-year-old woman, initially showed no signs of preeclampsia.
- Ultrasound revealed fetal hydrothorax, generalized edema, placental edema, and polyhydramnios, with an undetermined cause for fetal hydrops.
- Maternal anasarca developed despite interventions, and she later developed facial and hand edema with normal blood pressure.
Findings:
- Fetal hydrothorax was treated with pleuro-amniotic shunts at 29 weeks and 4 days gestation.
- Cesarean section was performed at 30 weeks gestation due to cessation of fetal movements and concerning fetal heart rate patterns.
- The neonate survived for 20 days with severe hypotension.
Implications:
- This case underscores the complex presentation of Ballantyne syndrome, which can manifest even without overt maternal preeclampsia initially.
- The report highlights the critical need for timely diagnosis and management of fetal hydrops and associated maternal complications.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology and improve outcomes for Ballantyne syndrome.