Mirror syndrome - A novel approach to therapy with fetal peritoneal-amniotic shunt

BACKGROUND: Mirror syndrome is a rare entity characterized by maternal disease mimicking fetal hydrops. In mirror syndrome, there is maternal hypertension, edema, and often proteinuria in association with fetal hydrops. The causal link between mirror syndrome and hydrops fetalis remains elusive. CASE: This is a case report of a pregnant woman who developed mirror syndrome associated with fetal hydrops. A fetal pelvic mass resulted in bladder outlet obstruction, subsequent bladder rupture, and massive urinary ascites. The resultant massive ascites caused thoracic and cardiac compression and subsequent hydrops fetalis. Placement of a peritoneal-amniotic shuntresolved the fetal hydrops and maternal mirror syndrome. CONCLUSION: In utero treatment of hydropic fetus can result in the cure of maternal mirror syndrome.