Role of MRI versus ultrasound in the assessment of placental abnormalities and diseases

Abstract

PurposeTo highlight the role of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting placental abnormalities and diseases. Patients and methodsThis prospective study included fifty pregnant females with placental abnormalities (40 patients with abnormal placental location and/or implantation and 10 patients with other variable placental abnormalities). All the patients underwent US and MRI examination and detailed assessment of the placenta was performed. Operative findings, histopathology and/or follow-up were the gold standard for diagnosis in all cases. ResultsThe cases statistically evaluated in this study were gravid females with placenta previa at high risk of coexisting placental adhesive disorders (n=39/50). The sensitivity and specificity of US were 68% and 78.57% respectively while those of MRI were 80% and 85.71% respectively in their ability to diagnose placental invasion. In placental hematoma cases, MRI confirmed the diagnosis due to the high sensitivity and specificity of MRI in detecting different ages of blood. In cases of molar pregnancy presence/absence of myometrial invasion was correctly detected in all cases by MRI. ConclusionMagnetic resonance imaging is complementary to Ultrasound and it is important for the accurate diagnosis of placental abnormalities especially placenta previa and the seriously co-existing placenta accreta.