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.