FETAL BRAIN-DEATH SYNDROME - A CASE-REPORT AND LITERATURE-REVIEW

This case describes a new feature of fetal brain death syndrome, abnor mal movements mimicking fetal convulsions being subsequently found to be decerebrate hypertonicity in a brain-dead fetus, It also confirms t he diagnostic criteria of fetal brain death, both clinical and ultraso nic. The development of polyhydramnios both prior to and after the pre sumed neurological event is suggested as an association with the diagn osis of fetal brain death. Increased awareness of this event and the h eterogeneity of the presentation may prevent further unnecessary Caesa rean sections, as to date only 4 of the 10 cases in the literature wer e diagnosed prenatally. Utilization of techniques such as fetal blood sampling should be considered to further delineate the diagnosis.