Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of postnatal placenta increta

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS) in the diagnosis of postnatal placenta increta. Methods Twenty-six patients with postnatal placenta increta were examined by gray-scale and color Doppler ultrasound and CEUS. Then microvascular perfusion and enhanced features of lesions, myometrium and serous layer were observed. Arriving time (AT), time to peak intensity (TTP) and the lasting time of enhancement (LTE) were recorded. AT,TTP and LTE of enhanced lesions were compared with those of normal myometrium. Results Serous layer, lesions and adjcent myometrium,normal myometrium enhanced in turn. There was no obvious boundary between the lesions enhanced and adjcent myometrium. AT and TTP of the lesions enhanced were both less than those of normal myometrium ( P ＜0. 05). LTE of the part of lesions enhanced was more than that of normal myometrium ( P ＜0.05).Part of lesions never enhanced during the whole process. The serous layer of uterine was smooth and uninterrupted in 24 patients. These 24 patients all recovered after conservative treatment. The local serous layer adjcent lesions was not smooth, but no contrast agent leakage occurred in another 2 patients, and uterine lobectomy were performed in emergency because of massive hemorrhage during conservative treatment. Conclusions Microvascular perfusion and enhanced features of lesions,myometrium and serous layer could be showed clearly through CEUS. Key words: Ultrasonography; Microbubbles; Placenta accreta; Postpartum hemorrhage