Placental Lacunae Research Articles

Development and validation of a model to preoperatively predict the risk of placenta accreta spectrum in women with placenta previa.

Placenta previa, occurring when the placenta covers the cervical opening after 28 weeks, can lead to severe postpartum bleeding, especially when coupled with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), posing risks of organ damage and necessitating hysterectomy. Accurate preoperative diagnosis of PAS in women with placenta previa is crucial to reduce adverse outcomes. This study aimed to develop a risk prediction model for PAS in women with placenta previa. A total of 437 patients with placenta previa, delivering babies between January 2012 and December 2018, were included. Data collected encompassed clinical records, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and sonographic findings. Utilizing univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, the study identified key factors correlated with PAS in expectant mothers with placenta previa. A risk prediction model was formulated and evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. External validation was performed using additional patients diagnosed with placenta previa. Independent risk factors for PAS in placenta previa included NLR, timing of cesarean section and miscarriage, placenta previa type, presence of placental lacunae, and uterovesical hypervascularity. The predictive model was established using specific coefficients. The ROC curve indicated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.821, with a sensitivity of 80.6% and specificity of 68.9%. External validation demonstrated a diagnosis coincidence rate of 75%, and the model exhibited good calibration according to the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (p = 0.3742, >0.05). The developed model showed effective potential in predicting PAS among women with placenta previa. Its application could significantly contribute to the early detection and subsequent management of PAS.

Predicting the risk of cesarean hysterectomy in the management of placenta accreta spectrum disorders: a new model based on clinical findings and ultrasonography.

To develop a nomogram to predict the probability of cesarean hysterectomy (CH) in placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PASD) patients. Data from 520 patients who underwent surgery with a preliminary diagnosis of PASD at a tertiary center in southeast Turkey between 2013 and 2023 were collected, and 302 patients were included in the study. A predictive model based on clinical and ultrasonographic variables was developed using penalized maximum likelihood estimation (PMLE) regression analysis. Maternal age (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.08-1.44, p = 0.001) and prior uterine surgeries (aOR = 3.18, 95% CI 1.57-8.29, p = 0.001) were identified as demographic factors with an increased likelihood of CH in the nomogram, and advanced gestational weeks demonstrated a negative correlation (aOR: 0.78, 95% CI 0.56-1.02, p = 0.07). Regarding the ultrasonographic findings, the presence of the "multiple lacunae within the placenta" (aOR = 48.53, 95% CI 18.42-257.40, p < 0.001) and the "anterior placental location" (aOR = 9.60, 95% CI 2.96-50.76, p < 0.001) significantly increased the probability of CH. In addition, "hypervascularization on Doppler flow with irregularity in the line between the bladder and uterine serosa" (aOR = 7.90, 95% CI 2.66-35.12, p < 0.001) and the "retroplacental myometrial thickness of < 1mm" (aOR = 2.49, 95% CI 0.89-8.27, p = 0.08) were related to the probability of CH. Harrell's C-index was 0.974, and the kappa value was 0.819 for the prediction model's performance evaluation. We developed a nomogram to predict the probability of cesarean hysterectomy in patients with PASD, incorporating maternal age, gestational weeks, prior uterine surgeries, ultrasound findings, and placental location. The most closely associated findings with CH in patients with PASD were the presence of multiple placental lacunae and the anterior location of the placenta.

Early prediction of placenta accreta spectrum by evaluation of risk factors and ultrasound

IntroductionWe explored the predictive utility of clinical risk factors and first-trimester pregnancy ultrasound signs for severe placenta accreta spectrum.Material and methodsPatients with placenta accreta spectrum treated in our institution between March 1, 2017 and December 31, 2022 were analyzed. The patients were divided into those with mild and those with severe conditions. Univariate analysis was used to determine the clinical risk factors and first trimester ultrasound signs associated with severe placenta accreta spectrum. Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn and the areas under the curves calculated.ResultsUnivariate analysis revealed significant between-group differences between the groups in the number of cesarean sections, scar pregnancy, low gestational sac position, abnormal placental position, focal exophytic mass and abnormal placental lacunae in placental parenchyma (p &lt; 0.05). The number of cesarean sections and first trimester ultrasound signs predicted severe placenta accreta spectrum, with areas under the curves of 0.66 and 0.75. When the number of cesarean sections was combined with low gestational sac position, the placenta position and related ultrasound signs, the areas under the curves for predicting severe placenta accreta spectrum were 0.78, 0.73, and 0.89, respectively.ConclusionsClinical risk factors and first-trimester ultrasound signs predicted severe placental accreta spectrum and their combinations had even greater clinical utility.

Prenatal detection of placenta accreta spectrum using a sonographic checklist.

The European Working Group for Abnormally Invasive Placenta proposed a checklist of ultrasound features for the antenatal detection of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). This study aims to assess the performance of the checklist in identifying histopathologically confirmed PAS cases in a cohort with a high pre-test probability of PAS, and identify if particular features are associated with PAS. This is a prospective multi-site cohort study conducted between 2018 and 2023. Consecutive patients who underwent ultrasound assessment for suspicion of PAS were included, and the sonographic checklist was completed at the time of ultrasound. Cases were defined as PAS where they had intraoperative findings as described by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) grading, and histopathological findings for hysterectomy and myometrial resection cases. All non-PAS cases in this study had placenta previa and at least one prior cesarean delivery. Seventy-eight participants met inclusion criteria, of whom 63 (80.7%) were diagnosed with PAS. Cesarean hysterectomy was performed in 49 cases (62.8%). Overall, third-trimester ultrasound performed at a median gestational age of 32 weeks (IQR 30-34 weeks) had a sensitivity of 0.84 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.92) and specificity of 0.73 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.92) for detecting PAS, with a positive and negative likelihood ratio of 3.15 (95% CI 1.35 to 7.35) and 0.22 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.41), respectively. Features most associated with PAS were abnormal placental lacunae (Odds Ratio [OR] 5.40 [95% CI 1.61 to 18.03] and myometrial thinning OR 6.87 [95% CI 1.93 to 24.4]). While many of the ultrasound features seen in PAS were also present in cases of placenta previa with prior Cesarean section, the median (IQR) number of features present in PAS cases was significantly higher than in the non-PAS placenta previa group (six features [3-8] vs. two features [0-3] p = 0.001). No case of non-PAS placenta previa had more than five features present. The use of a standardized sonographic checklist had a high sensitivity and good specificity for the detection of PAS in this prospective cohort of well-classified PAS cases.

Emergency delivery in case of suspected placenta accreta spectrum: Can it be predicted?

The main goal of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) screening is to enable delivery in an expert center in the presence of an experienced team at an appropriate time. Our study aimed to identify independent risk factors for emergency deliveries within the IS-PAS 2.0 database cohort and establish a multivariate predictive model. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected PAS cases from the IS-PAS database between January 2020 and June 2022 by 23 international expert centers was performed. All PAS cases (singleton and multiple pregnancies) managed according to local protocols were included. Individuals with emergent delivery were identified and compared to those with scheduled delivery. A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify the possible risk factors for emergency delivery and was used to establish a predictive model. Maternal outcomes were compared. Overall, 315 women were included in the study. Of these, 182 participants (89 with emergent and 93 with scheduled delivery) were included in the final analysis after exclusion of those with unsuspected PAS antenatally or who lacked information about the urgency of delivery. Gestational age at delivery was higher in the scheduled group (34.7 vs. 32.9, p < 0.001). Antenatal bleeding (OR 2.9, p = 0.02) and a placenta located over a uterine scar (OR 0.38, p = 0.001) were the independent predictive factors for emergent delivery (AUC 0.68). Ultrasound (US) markers: loss of clear zone (p = 0.001), placental lacunae (p = 0.01), placental bulge (p = 0.02), and presence of bridging vessels (p = 0.02) were more frequently documented in the scheduled group. None of these markers improved the predictive values of the model. Higher PAS grades were identified in the scheduled group (p = 0.01). There were no significant differences in maternal outcomes. Antenatal bleeding and the placental location away from the uterine scar remained the most significant predictors for emergent delivery among patients with PAS, even when combining more predictive risk factors, including US markers. Based on these results, patients who bleed antenatally may benefit from transfer to an expert center, as we found no differences in maternal outcomes between groups delivered in expert centers. Earlier-scheduled delivery is not supported due to the low predictive value of our model.

Diffusion lacunae: a novel MR imaging finding on diffusion-weighted imaging for diagnosing placenta accreta spectrum

ObjectiveTo evaluate the usefulness of novel diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) findings for diagnosing placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).Materials and methodsThis retrospective study included 49 pregnant women with suspected PAS who underwent 1.5 T placental MRI. Diffusion lacunae were defined as intraplacental areas showing hypointensity on DWI and hyperintensity on the apparent diffusion coefficient map. Two radiologists evaluated the number and size of placental lacunae on DWI, and flow void in the diffusion lacunae on T2-weighted imaging. The radiologists also evaluated established MRI features of PAS described in the SAR-ESUR consensus statement. Pearson's chi-square test or Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare findings between patients with and without PAS. Interobserver reliability for DWI and established MRI features was also assessed. Optimal thresholds for the number and maximum size of diffusion lacunae for differentiating PAS from the no-PAS group were determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses.ResultsEighteen patients were diagnosed with PAS, and 31 patients with placental previa without PAS. The number and maximum size of diffusion lacunae were significantly larger in patients with than in patients without PAS (p < 0.0001). Combining assessment of the number of diffusion lacunae with assessment of their maximum size yielded a diagnostic performance with sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 83%, 94% and 90%, respectively. Flow voids within the diffusion lacunae had sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 88%, 84% and 86%, respectively.ConclusionThe number and size of diffusion lacunae, and T2 flow void in diffusion lacunae may be useful findings for diagnosing PAS.

Surgical evacuation combined with Shirodkar cervical suture and selective uterine artery embolization: A fertility preserving treatment for 10-15 weeks' live cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies.

Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies (CSEPs) are associated with significant maternal morbidity and termination is often recommended in the early first trimester. Management of more advanced cases is challenging due to higher risks of major intraoperative hemorrhage. Hysterectomy is currently the intervention of choice for advanced cases. This study aimed to investigate if advanced live CSEPs could be managed effectively conservatively using suction curettage and interventional radiology. A retrospective single-center cohort study was performed. A total of 371 women diagnosed with CSEP were identified between January 2008 and January 2023. A total of 6% (22/371) women had an advanced live CSEP with crown-rump length (CRL) of ≥40 mm (≥10 weeks' gestation). Of these, 77% (17/22) opted for surgical intervention, whilst the remaining five continued their pregnancies. A preoperative ultrasound was performed in each patient. All women underwent suction curettage under ultrasound guidance and insertion of Shirodkar cervical suture as a primary hemostatic measure combined with uterine artery embolization (UAE) if required. The primary outcome was rate of blood transfusion. Secondary outcomes were estimated intraoperative blood loss, UAE, intensive care unit admission, reintervention, hysterectomy, hospitalization duration and rate of retained products of conception. Descriptive statistics were used to describe these variables. Median CRL of the 17 patients included was 54.1 mm (range: 40.0-85.7) and median gestational age based on CRL was 12 + 3 weeks (range: 10 + 6-15 + 0). On preoperative ultrasound scan placental lacunae were recorded in 76% (13/17) of patients and color Doppler score was ≥3 in 67% (10/15) of patients. At surgery, Shirodkar cervical suture was used in all cases. It was successful in achieving hemostasis by tamponade in 76% (13/17) of patients. In the remaining 24% (4/17) patients tamponade failed to achieve complete hemostasis and UAE was performed to stop persistent arterial bleeding into the uterine cavity. Median intraoperative blood loss was 800 mL (range: 250-2500) and 41% (7/17) women lost >1000 mL. 35% (6/17) needed blood transfusion. No women required hysterectomy. Surgical evacuation with Shirodkar cervical suture and selective UAE is an effective treatment for advanced live CSEPs.

Plasenta akreta spektrumunu öngörmeye yönelik bir skorlama sistemi: prospektif bir çalışma

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the utility of a scoring system using selected ultrasonographic features to predict placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and its severity in suspicion of PAS.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted with a total of 27 pregnant women with placenta previa totalis with suspicion of PAS between 24 and 37 weeks gestation between July 2019 and January 2020. PAS score was calculated with the following parameters: loss of clear zone, number, size, and regularity of placental lacunae, turbulent flow in lacunae, uterovesical or subplacental hypervascularity, bridging vessels, and the number of previous cesarean section. Patients were divided into groups due to PAS scores and the severity of PAS. Receiver operating characteristics curves were performed to assess the performance of the PAS scoring system.&#x0D; Results: In a total of 27 patients, 7 (25.9%) patients did not have PAS, 5 (18.5%) patients had accreta, 7 (25.9%) patients had increta, and 8 patients (29.6) had percreta. In groups with PAS scores higher than 8, 86% of patients had placenta percreta. PAS score was 2.8±1.4 in the no PAS group, 3.6±1.9 in the accreta group, 5.1±2.4 in the increta group, 9.8±1.6 in the percreta group and statistically higher in the percreta group. The optimal cut-off values of the PAS score to predict abnormal placental invasion was 4.5 (60% sensitivity, 86% specificity), 7.5 for differentiation percreta from increta (87.5% sensitivity, 75% specificity)&#x0D; Conclusion: A PAS scoring system that combines several ultrasound and clinical characteristics may greatly improve prenatal risk assessment and prediction of PAS.

Ultrasound scoring system for prenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum

BackgroundTo develop an ultrasound scoring system for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), evaluate its diagnostic value, and provide a practical approach to prenatal diagnosis of PAS.MethodsA total of 532 pregnant women (n = 184 no PAS, n = 120 placenta accreta, n = 189 placenta increta, n = 39 placenta percreta) at high-risk for placenta accreta who delivered in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2021 and December 2022 underwent prenatal ultrasound to evaluate placental invasion. An ultrasound scoring system that included placental and cervical morphology and history of cesarean section was created. Each feature was assigned a score of 0 ~ 2, according to severity. Thresholds for the total ultrasound score that discriminated between no PAS, placenta accreta, placenta increta, and placenta percreta were calculated.ResultsUnivariate and multivariate regression analysis identified seven indicators of PAS that were included in the ultrasound scoring system, including placental location, placental thickness, presence/absence of the retroplacental space, thickness of the retroplacental myometrium, presence/absence of placental lacunae, retroplacental myometrial blood flow and history of cesarean section. Using the final ultrasound scoring system, no PAS is diagnosed at a total score < 5, placenta accreta or placenta increta is diagnosed at a total score 5–10, and placenta percreta is diagnosed at a total score ≥ 10.ConclusionsThis study identified seven indicators of PAS and included them in an ultrasound scoring system that has good diagnostic efficacy and clinical utility.Trial registrationChiCTR2300069261 (retrospectively registered on 10/03/2023).

O-142 Surgical evacuation with adjuvant uterine artery embolization: a fertility preserving treatment for advanced live caesarean scar ectopic pregnancies

Abstract Study question Can advanced caesarean scar ectopic pregnancies be managed safely surgically whilst preserving future fertility? Summary answer With the available support of uterine artery embolization, suction and curettage can be an effective treatment for live advanced caesarean scar ectopic pregnancies, avoiding hysterectomy. What is known already Caesarean scar ectopic pregnancies (CSEPs) are associated with significant maternal morbidity and termination of pregnancy is often offered to patients to protect their health and fertility. Treatment of early first trimester CSEPs is usually effective and safe, but the management of more advanced cases is more challenging, and hysterectomy has been considered the treatment of choice for second trimester CSEPs. Study design, size, duration This was a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral centre between 2008-2023. Of 371 women diagnosed with CSEP, 22 (6%) had live advanced CSEPs. 17/22 (77%) patients opted for surgery, whilst the remaining five opted to continue with their pregnancies. CSEP was defined by implantation of the pregnancy into a myometrial defect caused by dehiscence of a lower uterine segment caesarean scar. Advanced CSEP was defined as crown rump length (CRL) of ≥ 40mm. Participants/materials, setting, methods A preoperative ultrasound was performed in each patient. All women underwent surgical evacuation under ultrasound guidance and insertion of modified Shirodkar cervical suture as a primary haemostatic measure. Additional haemostatic measures included uterine artery embolization (UAE). Our primary outcome was the rate of blood transfusion. Secondary outcomes were estimated intraoperative blood loss (BL), UAE, and admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and fertility preservation. Descriptive statistics were used to describe these variables. Main results and the role of chance For the 17 cases included, median CRL was 54.1 mm (range 40.0 - 85.7) and median gestational sac diameter was 52.7mm (range 41.0 – 82.7). Median gestational age based on CRL was 12 + 2 weeks (range 10 + 6 weeks and 15 + 2 weeks). Two (12%) women had a recurrent CSEP and 1 woman had a heterotropic pregnancy. On pre-operative ultrasound placental lacunae were recorded in 13 (76%) cases and colour Doppler score was ≥3 in 10 (59%) cases. A Shirodkar cervical suture was used in all cases, as per our protocol. It was successful in achieving haemostasis by tamponade in 13/17 (76%) cases. In the remaining 4 (24%) tamponade failed to achieve a complete haemostasis and UAE was required to control persistent arterial bleeding into the uterine cavity. Median BL at the time of surgery was 800 ml (range 250-2500) and 7/17 (41%) patients had a BL of &amp;gt; 1000 ml with 6/17 (35%) requiring blood transfusion. All four women who had UAE required admission to ICU. Three cases had a two-stage procedure with interval UAE to control the bleeding. All patients made a good postoperative recovery and no emergency hysterectomy was required. Three patients fell pregnant again and all pregnancies were normally sited. Limitations, reasons for caution Although this is the largest series of advanced CSEPs one limitation is its retrospective design and the relatively small number of cases. A second limitation is no women ≥ 16 weeks were included. Lastly, this study was conducted in a tertiary referral centre and results may not be widely replicable. Wider implications of the findings Surgical evacuation with a Shirodkar cervical suture and selective UAE is an effective treatment for advanced CSEPs and should be available to women who want to retain their fertility and avoid a hysterectomy. Pre-surgical planning and collaboration between gynaecologists and interventional radiologists is key in managing these high-risk women. Trial registration number not applicable

Imaging the Uterus in Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorder.

Antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) improves maternal and neonatal outcomes by allowing for multidisciplinary planning and preparedness. Ultrasound is the primary imaging tool. Simplification and standardization of placental evaluation and reporting terminology allows improved communication and understanding between teams. Prior to 10 weeks of gestation, gestational sac position and least myometrial thickness surrounding the gestational sac help PAS diagnosis very early in pregnancy. Late first-, second-, and third-trimester evaluation includes comprehensive evaluation of the placenta, transabdominal and transvaginal with partially full maternal urinary bladder, and by color Doppler. Subsequently, the sonologist should indicate whether the evaluation was optimal or suboptimal; the level of suspicion as low, moderate, or high; and the extent as focal, global, or extending beyond the uterus. Other complementary imaging modalities such as 3D-power Doppler ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and vascular topography mapping strive to improve antenatal placental evaluation but remain investigational at present. KEY POINTS: · Antenatal imaging, primarily using ultrasound with partially full maternal urinary bladder, is an essential means of evaluation of those at risk for PAS.. · Simplification and standardization of placental evaluation and reporting will allow improved communication between the multidisciplinary teams.. · Gestational sac location prior to 10 weeks of gestation and four markers after that (placental lacunae and echostructure, myometrial thinning, hypoechoic zone with or without bulging between placenta and myometrium, and increased flow on color Doppler)..

Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of Placenta accreta spectrum: systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and in the diagnosis of Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).Data sourcesScreening of MEDLINE, CENTRAL, other bases from inception to February 2022 using the keywords related to placenta accreta, increta, percreta, morbidly adherent placenta, and preoperative ultrasound diagnosis.Study eligibility criteriaAll available studies- whether were prospective or retrospective- including cohort, case control and cross sectional that involved prenatal diagnosis of PAS using 2D or 3D ultrasound with subsequent pathological confirmation postnatal were included. Fifty-four studies included 5307 women fulfilled the inclusion criteria, PAS was confirmed in 2025 of them.Study appraisal and synthesis methodsExtracted data included settings of the study, study type, sample size, participants characteristics and their inclusion and exclusion criteria, Type and site of placenta previa, Type and timing of imaging technique (2D, and 3D), severity of PAS, sensitivity and specificity of individual ultrasound criteria and overall sensitivity and specificity.ResultsThe overall sensitivity was 0.8703, specificity was 0.8634 with -0.2348 negative correlation between them. The estimate of Odd ratio, negative likelihood ratio and positive likelihood ratio were 34.225, 0.155 and 4.990 respectively.The overall estimates of loss of retroplacental clear zone sensitivity and specificity were 0.820 and 0.898 respectively with 0.129 negative correlation. The overall estimates of myometrial thinning, loss of retroplacental clear zone, the presence of bridging vessels, placental lacunae, bladder wall interruption, exophytic mass, and uterovesical hypervascularity sensitivities were 0.763, 0.780, 0.659, 0.785, 0.455, 0.218 and 0.513 while specificities were 0.890, 0.884, 0.928, 0.809, 0.975, 0.865 and 0.994 respectively.ConclusionsThe accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosis of PAS among women with low lying or placenta previa with previous cesarean section scars is high and recommended in all suspected cases.Trial registrationNumber CRD42021267501.

The role of transvaginal ultrasound in the third-trimester evaluation of patients at high risk of placenta accreta spectrum at birth

Transvaginal ultrasound imaging has become an essential tool in the prenatal evaluation of the lower uterine segment and anatomy of the cervix, but there are only limited data on the role of transvaginal ultrasound in the management of patients at high risk of placenta accreta spectrum at birth. This study aimed to evaluate the role of transvaginal sonography in the third trimester of pregnancy in predicting outcomes in patients with a high probability of placenta accreta spectrum at birth. This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients presenting with a singleton pregnancy and a history of at least 1 previous cesarean delivery and patients diagnosed prenatally with an anterior low-lying placenta or placenta previa delivered electively after 32 weeks of gestation. All patients had a least 1 detailed ultrasound examination, including transabdominal and transvaginal scans, within 2 weeks before delivery. Of note, 2 experienced operators, blinded to the clinical data, were asked to make a judgment on the likelihood of placenta accreta spectrum as a binary, low or high-probability of placenta accreta spectrum, and to predict the main surgical outcome (conservative vs peripartum hysterectomy). The diagnosis of accreta placentation was confirmed when one or more placental cotyledons could not be digitally separated from the uterine wall at delivery or during the gross examination of the hysterectomy or partial myometrial resection specimens. A total of 111 patients were included in the study. Abnormal placental tissue attachment was found in 76 patients (68.5%) at birth, and histologic examination confirmed superficial villous attachment (creta) and deep villous attachment (increta) in 11 and 65 cases, respectively. Of note, 72 patients (64.9%) had a peripartum hysterectomy, including 13 cases with no evidence of placenta accreta spectrum at birth because of failure to reconstruct the lower uterine segment and/or excessive bleeding. There was a significant difference in the distribution of placental location (X2=12.66; P=.002) between transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound examinations, but both ultrasound techniques had similar likelihood scores in identifying accreta placentation that was confirmed at birth. On transabdominal scan, only a high lacuna score was significantly associated (P=.02) with an increased chance of hysterectomy, whereas on transvaginal scan, significant associations were found between the need for hysterectomy and the thickness of the distal part of the lower uterine segment (P=.003), changes in the cervix structure (P=.01), cervix increased vascularity (P=.001), and the presence of placental lacunae (P=.005). The odds ratio for peripartum hysterectomy were 5.01 (95% confidence interval, 1.25-20.1) for a very thin (<1-mm) distal lower uterine segment and 5.62 (95% confidence interval, 1.41-22.5) for a lacuna score of 3+. Transvaginal ultrasound examination contributes to both prenatal management and the prediction of surgical outcomes in patients with a history of previous cesarean delivery with and without ultrasound signs suggestive of placenta accreta spectrum. Transvaginal ultrasound examination of the lower uterine segment and cervix should be included in clinical protocols for the preoperative evaluation of patients at risk of complex cesarean delivery.

Features of ultrasound diagnosis of pathological placentation

Pathological placentation (placenta previa and placenta accreta) is one of the main problems in modern obstetrics, which negatively affects maternal and perinatal mortality rates. The use of modern technologies for the timely diagnosis of this pregnancy complication and the correct route of the patient allow to reduce blood loss significantly, to save not only the life of the mother and the child, but also to save the uterus in some cases.The objective: to evaluate the diagnostic possibilities of ultrasound examination of pathological placentation.Materials and methods. An ultrasound examination was performed in 86 pregnant women with pathological placentation. Ultrasound signs of pathological placentation are divided into two groups depending on the gray or color image.Results. In 92 % of examined pregnant women with pathological placentation, the clear zone was lost. In patients with placenta previa a loss of the hypoechoic retroplacental zone was found in 70 % of cases, a significant number of placental lacunae of various shapes and sizes – 87 %, segmental thinning of the myometrium &lt;1 mm – 50 %.Protrusion of the uterus into the surrounding tissues is often observed due to placenta accreta, in cases of placenta percreta – the exophytic mass indicates the invasion of the placental tissue through the myometrium into the extrauterine organs. 80 % of pregnant women with placenta previa and 75 % of patients with placenta accreta have hypervascularization within or under the placental bed.Conclusions. Ultrasound examination is an affordable and effective method of visualization of pathological placentation. The following criteria for placenta accreta were established and confirmed: myometrial thinning &lt;1 mm, placental lacunae, bladder wall rupture, loss of the lunate zone, placental protrusion, subplacental vascularization, uterovesicular hypervascularization, and vessels that vascularize the lacunae.

A Risk-Prediction Model for Placenta Accreta Spectrum Severity From Standardized Ultrasound Markers.

We aimed to generate a model to predict the risk of a woman having normal, abnormally adherent (AAP) or abnormally invasive placentation (AIP) based on the presence of recently codified ultrasound (US) markers and disease definitions of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). We recruited women with anterior low-lying placenta or placenta previa and a history of previous caesarean delivery to a prospective cohort study. US markers of abnormal placentation were recorded on a standardized pro forma. The presence and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grade of PAS was evaluated clinically and histologically at delivery. Markers demonstrating a predictive relationship to PAS were incorporated into a logistic regression model. A total of 106 women were included, of whom 42 (40%) were normal, 24 (23%) had AAP and 40 (38%) had AIP. A model including just four key variables (loss of clear zone, abnormal placental lacunae, placental bulge and bladder wall interruption) was shown to reliably predict presence and severity of PAS, with an optimism-corrected C-index of 0.901. A simple model incorporating four US markers can predict likelihood and severity of PAS with high accuracy. This is the first time this has been demonstrated using the recently codified definitions of the US signs and disease definitions. Further work will see our model applied prospectively to a large patient cohort, ideally through a smartphone-based application, for external validation.

Ultrasonographic Prediction of Placental Invasion in Placenta Previa by Placenta Accreta Index.

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the placenta accreta index (PAI) for predicting placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) in women with placenta previa. We analyzed 33 pregnancies with placenta previa at Keio University Hospital. The PAI was assessed in the early third trimester, and PAS was diagnosed histologically or clinically defined as retained placenta after manual removal attempts. The PAI and incidence of PAS were analyzed. Ten women (30%) were diagnosed with PAS and had higher volumes of perioperative bleeding (p = 0.016), higher rate of requiring uterine artery embolization (p = 0.005), and peripartum hysterectomy (p = 0.0002) than women without PAS. A PAI > 2 was the most useful cut-off point for predicting PAS and was more sensitive than prediction values using traditional evaluation (history of cesarean section and placental location). Post-hoc analysis revealed a higher rate of previous history of cesarean delivery (30% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.038), severe placental lacunae (≥grade2) (70% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.0003), thin myometrial thickness (90% vs. 22%, p = 0.0003), anterior placenta (100% vs. 30%, p = 0.0002), and presence of bridging vessels (30% vs. 0%, p = 0.0059) in PAS women. PAI could help predict the outcomes of women with placenta previa with and without a history of cesarean delivery to reduce PAS-induced perinatal complications.

Diagnostic accuracy of Uterine Artery Doppler Velocimetry in Patients with Placenta Previa

Background; The placenta previa (PP) is an obstetric problem in which the placental tissue is improperly located inside the lower uterine segment. Aim and objectives: was to see how effective uterine artery Doppler velocimetry was in detecting unusually morbidly adhering placentas in patients who had had one or more prior caesarean sections with placenta previa. Subjects and methods; Cross-sectional research of 100 patients was undertaken in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, El- Sayed Galal Hospital, AL- Azhar University. Result; Our results showed highly statistically significant correlation between the presence of abnormal lacunae and histopathological confirmation (P-value > 0.001). In addition, the overall Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were 90%, 100%, 100%, 64.2%, 91.6%. This criterion showed very high sensitivity and specificity with very high positive predictive value and accuracy to become the most important criteria, Conclusion; As a result of this, we conclude that the accuracy of abnormal placental lacunae, loss of the reto-placental clear zone, myometrial thinning, and utero-vesical hypervascularity are the most critical ultrasound criteria for diagnosing placenta accreta in patients who had a previous CS with a placenta previa overlying the previous uterine scar.

Two-dimensional ultrasound signs as predictive markers of massive peri-operative blood loss in placenta previa suspicious for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder.

ObjectiveTo evaluate certain two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound signs as predictors of massive peri-operative blood loss (PBL) in pregnant women with placenta previa suspicious of PAS disorder.Materials and methodsA single center retrospective study was done in pregnant women who had undergone prenatal diagnosis with 2D ultrasound grey scale and color Doppler using the EW-AIP (which has been changed to IS-PAS (International Society for the Placenta Accreta Spectrum)) criteria between January 2007 and May 2021. The patients were divided into 2 groups, non-massive hemorrhage with PBL ≤ 2500 mL and massive PBL >2500 mL. All PAS cases had pathological confirmation. Ultrasound signs and hemorrhagic outcomes were compared between the two groups. A PAS scoring system to predict massive PBL was constructed and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated to evaluate the efficacy of the scoring system.ResultsOf 534 women, 146 (28.3%) had PBL > 2500 mL and 388 (71.7%) had PBL ≤ 2500 mL. In the massive PBL group, 101 (69.2%) were diagnosed as PAS and 45 (30.8%) as placenta previa alone. From 10 evaluated 2D ultrasound signs, 3 had the highest odds ratios (ORs) associated with massive PBL, ‘focal exophytic mass’ OR 8.17 (p = 0.024), ‘placental bulge’ OR 2.47 (p = 0.011), and ‘placental lacunae feeder vessels’ OR 2.38 (p = 0.01). When using the PAS scoring system, the AUC to predict massive PBL was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.76–0.85,).ConclusionOur PAS scoring system based on 2-dimensional ultrasound signs combined with grey scale and color Doppler is useful to predict massive PBL and can help optimize pre-operative management in cases of previa suspicious of PAS.

Placenta Increta With Uterus Didelphys Gravidity: Single Hospital Case Report

24 years old primigravida has started antenatal care in the TSMU First University Clinic with previously diagnosed uterus didelphys. Normally progressive pregnancy in a right uterus has been confirmed with gestation age 9 week. Minimal symptom of suprapubic tingling feeling has been started from 28 weeks of gestation, ultrasound has revealed myometrium thinning behind placenta. At 30 week of gestation abnormal placental lacunae and its abnormal Doppler has been revealed. Case followed by weekly checkup of the pregnant woman monitoring general condition of the woman and fetus. Caesarian section has been planned at 36 weeks of gestation as condition of patient was stable. Intraoperatively placenta increta has been confirmed in the upper 2/3 of the right gravid uterus with minimal presence of myometrium in this area. Amputation of the right uterus has been performed without right sided salpingooforectomy. Left uterus has been preserved with left adnexa. Patient with her health neonate has been discharged from the hospital on the 5-th day after caesarian delivery.

Third-trimester ultrasound for antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum in women with placenta previa: results from the ADoPAD study.

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of third‐trimester ultrasound for the diagnosis of clinically significant placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PAS) in women with low‐lying placenta or placenta previa.MethodsThis was a prospective multicenter study of pregnant women aged ≥ 18 years who were diagnosed with low‐lying placenta (< 20 mm from the internal cervical os) or placenta previa (covering the internal cervical os) on ultrasound at ≥ 26 + 0 weeks' gestation, between October 2014 and January 2019. Ultrasound suspicion of PAS was raised in the presence of at least one of these signs on grayscale ultrasound: (1) obliteration of the hypoechogenic space between the uterus and the placenta; (2) interruption of the hyperechogenic interface between the uterine serosa and the bladder wall; (3) abnormal placental lacunae. Histopathological examinations were performed according to a predefined protocol, with pathologists blinded to the ultrasound findings. To assess the ability of ultrasound to detect clinically significant PAS, a composite outcome comprising the need for active management at delivery and histopathological confirmation of PAS was considered the reference standard. PAS was considered to be clinically significant if, in addition to histological confirmation, at least one of these procedures was carried out after delivery: use of hemostatic intrauterine balloon, compressive uterine suture, peripartum hysterectomy, uterine/hypogastric artery ligation or uterine artery embolization. The diagnostic performance of each ultrasound sign for clinically significant PAS was evaluated in all women and in the subgroup who had at least one previous Cesarean section and anterior placenta. Post‐test probability was assessed using Fagan nomograms.ResultsA total of 568 women underwent transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound examinations during the study period. Of these, 95 delivered in local hospitals, and placental pathology according to the study protocol was therefore not available. Among the 473 women for whom placental pathology was available, clinically significant PAS was diagnosed in 99 (21%), comprising 36 cases of placenta accreta, 19 of placenta increta and 44 of placenta percreta. The median gestational age at the time of ultrasound assessment was 31.4 (interquartile range, 28.6–34.4) weeks. A normal hypoechogenic space between the uterus and the placenta reduced the post‐test probability of clinically significant PAS from 21% to 5% in women with low‐lying placenta or placenta previa in the third trimester of pregnancy and from 62% to 9% in the subgroup with previous Cesarean section and anterior placenta. The absence of placental lacunae reduced the post‐test probability of clinically significant PAS from 21% to 9% in women with low‐lying placenta or placenta previa in the third trimester of pregnancy and from 62% to 36% in the subgroup with previous Cesarean section and anterior placenta. When abnormal placental lacunae were seen on ultrasound, the post‐test probability of clinically significant PAS increased from 21% to 59% in the whole cohort and from 62% to 78% in the subgroup with previous Cesarean section and anterior placenta. An interrupted hyperechogenic interface between the uterine serosa and bladder wall increased the post‐test probability for clinically significant PAS from 21% to 85% in women with low‐lying placenta or placenta previa and from 62% to 88% in the subgroup with previous Cesarean section and anterior placenta. When all three sonographic markers were present, the post‐test probability for clinically significant PAS increased from 21% to 89% in the whole cohort and from 62% to 92% in the subgroup with previous Cesarean section and anterior placenta.ConclusionsGrayscale ultrasound has good diagnostic performance to identify pregnancies at low risk of PAS in a high‐risk population of women with low‐lying placenta or placenta previa. Ultrasound may be safely used to guide management decisions and concentrate resources on patients with higher risk of clinically significant PAS. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.