Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in diagnosis typing of placenta accrete

Abstract

Objective To assess the value of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in diagnosing subtypes of postpartum placenta accreta.Methods 31 puerperal clinically diagnosed of postpartum placenta accreta were collected.They were inspected by using CEUS and 2-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound,respectively.The operation was used as a reference.Results Both 2-dimensional color Doppler and CEUS could identify the sizes of residual placenta for the patients,but CEUS showed more explicit boundary for placenta and uterus and the rich/poor blood flow areas in the placenta.Among the 31 patients,7,23 and 1 were classified of accreta,increta and percreta,respectively,by using 2-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound,while 11,16 and 4 were classified of accreta,increta and percreta,respectively,by using CEUS based on the myometrial thickness and contrast agent subsided time.With respect to operation,10 patients were confirmed of accrete,with the other diagnosed of increta and percreta.The misclassification rate of 2-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound was 19.6 ％,while CEUS had only 6.5 ％.CEUS had a good agreement with operation (Kappa =0.859,P ＜ 0.001).Conclusions CEUS has higher accuracy in diagnosing subtypes of postpartum placenta accrete compared with 2-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound.CEUS can increase the accuracy and reliability for diagnosing those who were clinically considered of postpartum placenta accrete,and can provide helpful guidelines for clinical treatment. Key words: Ultrasonography ; Microbubbles ; Placenta accreta