Proust S, Philippe H-J, Paumier A, Joubert M, Boog G, Winer N
Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Mère-Enfant, quai Moncousu, 44093 Nantes Cedex 1.
J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris). 2006 May;35(3):270-4. doi: 10.1016/s0368-2315(06)78312-0.
We report two cases of Ballantyne's syndrome which was first described in association with foeto-placental hydrops caused by rhesus isoimmunization. Our two cases occurred in association with materno-fetal parvovirus infection. Although the pathogenic mechanism remains to be fully elucidated, fluid retention and hyperplacentation are the main features. Together with these two case reports, a literature review confirmed the diverse nonimmunological etiologies associated with Ballantyne's syndrome. Clinicians should be aware of this particular presentation of hydrops fetalis resulting from a mechanism different from hypotrophic placentation because specific etiological treatment can avoid unnecessary pregnancy termination. Pre-conception counselling is also different.
