Normalisation of angiogenic imbalance after intra-uterine transfusion for mirror syndrome caused by parvovirus B19

Abstract

We report a case of mirror syndrome caused by parvovirus B19, which resolved after intra-uterine transfusion. Mirror syndrome is a rare condition characterised by a triad of foetal hydrops, generalized maternal oedema and placentomegaly. Although the mechanism underlying the onset of this syndrome is unknown, it probably shares a common pathophysiologic origin with pre-eclampsia. Our patient showed increased circulating levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and decreased levels of placental growth factor (PlGF), which have also been reported in pre-eclampsia. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio decreased immediately after intra-uterine transfusion, followed by resolution of both maternal and foetal symptoms. This suggests that the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio may help to predict the post-treatment course of mirror syndrome.