# Ballantyne Syndrome Related to Down Syndrome and Chorioamnionitis: A Case Report and Literature Review

**Authors:** Alonso J Garcia, Pedro Vega, Gabriel R Chacón, Christian Silva Rengifo

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.78563 · Cureus · 2025-02-05

## TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of Ballantyne syndrome linked to Down syndrome and chorioamnionitis, highlighting diagnostic challenges and management strategies.

## Contribution

The paper presents a unique case combining Ballantyne syndrome with Down syndrome and chorioamnionitis, offering insights into its management.

## Key findings

- Ballantyne syndrome can co-occur with Down syndrome and chorioamnionitis.
- Early diagnosis and invasive techniques are crucial for identifying underlying causes.
- Pregnancy termination may be necessary in severe cases to ensure maternal safety.

## Abstract

Ballantyne syndrome is a rare obstetric condition characterized by fetal hydrops, maternal edema, and placentomegaly. Its low incidence, combined with potential clinical overlap with preeclampsia, poses significant diagnostic and management challenges. This condition is especially relevant due to the severe complications it can cause during pregnancy.

In this article, we present a case of Ballantyne syndrome associated with Down syndrome (DS) and chorioamnionitis, complemented by a literature review exploring its possible etiologies, pathophysiology, and therapeutic options. Additionally, the importance of early diagnosis, the use of invasive techniques to identify underlying etiologies, and therapeutic decision-making focused on safeguarding maternal life are emphasized, including pregnancy termination in cases of severe complications to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Down syndrome (MONDO:0008608), chorioamnionitis (MONDO:0000409), preeclampsia (MONDO:0005081)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** preeclampsia (MESH:D011225), fetal hydrops (MESH:D015160), condition (MESH:D020763), Chorioamnionitis (MESH:D002821), Ballantyne Syndrome (MESH:D013577), DS (MESH:D004314), maternal edema (MESH:D004487)

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11888777/full.md

## References

20 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11888777/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11888777