Introduction
In 1892 John W. Ballantyne described the ‘Ballantyne
syndrome’1: the association of fetal, placental and
maternal edema with Rhesus isoimmunization. Later, other manifestations
such as progressive weight gain, elevated arterial pressure and
albuminuria were incorporated into the definition. Over the years,
different pathologies resulting in fetal hydrops were associated with
this syndome2, leading to the proposal of different
nomenclatures, including maternal hydrops syndrome, triple edema, and
preeclampsia-like disease. The current name, mirror syndrome, was
introduced in 1956 by O’Driscoll3.
Mirror syndrome is a rare which is likely underdiagnosed disorder with
undetermined incidence. It is characterized as a dramatic complication
of fetal hydrops and likely reversible in the mother when the underlying
factors are controlled. Mirror syndrome has been associated with high
rate (up to 67.2%) of fetal mortality4. The etiology
and pathogenesis of this syndrome is yet to be completely elucidated,
but some hypotheses are under investigation. The purpose of the present
study is to perform a comprehensive review of the pathogenesis,
diagnosis, management and future directions related to mirror syndrome.