Gray scale and Doppler ultrasound in placenta accreta: Optimization of ultrasound signs

Placenta accreta spectrum conservative management and coagulopathy: case series and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Management of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) with the placenta kept in situ aims to preserve fertility and minimize blood loss. However, this method is associated with a risk of coagulopathy and subsequent bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and pathophysiology of coagulopathy in cases of PAS managed conservatively.

METHODS

We reviewed our database for cases of PAS in which the placenta was kept in situ. In addition, we performed a systematic review of articles on PAS in which the placenta was left in situ and was complicated by coagulopathy. PubMed was searched for publications between 1980 and 2023. Our eligibility criteria included studies in which no additional interventions were performed other than keeping the placenta entirely in situ, and in which coagulopathy was reported.

RESULTS

After screening and selection of full-text articles, 10 studies were included in the review. A review of our databases yielded a case series of PAS managed conservatively with the placenta kept in situ. When adding our case series to the results of our systematic review, a total of 87 cases were found to have been managed conservatively, with 28 cases of coagulopathy. Of these, the time at which coagulopathy developed was known in 11 cases. The median time at development of coagulopathy was 58 (interquartile range, 50-67) days postpartum.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight that conservative management of PAS with the placenta in situ poses a risk of coagulopathy. Keeping the placenta in situ after delivery prolongs the risk factors that are integral to PAS. The pathophysiology behind coagulopathy is comparable with that of concealed placental abruption, due to the disrupted uteroplacental interface and the collection of blood in the placenta. Therefore, the presence of large placental lakes could be an indicator of developing coagulopathy. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

A simple guide to ultrasound screening for placenta accreta spectrum for improving detection and optimizing management in resource limited settings

Placenta accreta spectrum is a pregnancy complication associated with severe morbidity and maternal mortality especially when not suspected antenatally and appropriate management instigated. Women in resource-limited settings are more likely to face adverse outcomes due to logistic, technical, and resource inadequacies. Accurate prenatal imaging is an important step in ensuring good outcomes because it allows adequate preparation and an appropriate management approach. This article provides a simple three-step approach aimed at guiding clinicians and sonographers with minimal experience in placental accreta spectrum through risk stratification and basic prenatal screening for this condition both with and without Doppler ultrasound.

Ultrasound as a Sole Modality for Prenatal Diagnosis of Placenta Accreta Spectrum: Potentialities and Pitfalls

Background  Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a significant cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Its prevalence has been rising considerably, primarily due to the increasing rate of primary and repeat cesarean sections. Accurate prenatal identification of PAS allows optimal management because the timing of delivery, availability of blood products, and recruitment of skilled anesthesia, and surgical team can be arranged in advance.

Aims and Objectives  This study aimed to (1) study the ultrasound and color Doppler features of PAS, (2) correlate imaging findings with clinical and per-operative/histopathological findings, and (3) evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound for the diagnosis of PAS in patients with previous cesarean section.

Materials and Methods  This prospective study was conducted in radiology department of a tertiary care hospital. After screening 1,200 pregnant patients, 50 patients of placenta previa with period of gestation ≥ 24 weeks and history of at least one prior cesarean section were included in the study. Following imaging features were evaluated: (1) gray scale covering intraplacental lacunae, disruption of uterovesical interface, myometrial thinning, loss of retroplacental clear space, and focal exophytic masses; and (2) color Doppler covering intraplacental lacunar flow, hypervascularity of uterine serosa–bladder wall interface, and perpendicular bridging vessels between placenta and myometrium.

Study Design  Present study is a prospective one in a tertiary care hospital.

Results  Of the 19 PAS cases, 18 were correctly diagnosed on ultrasonography (USG) and confirmed either by histopathological analysis of hysterectomy specimen or per-operatively due to difficulty in placental removal. PAS was correctly ruled out in 27 of 31 patients. The diagnostic accuracy of USG was 90%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were 94.7, 87.1, 81.8, and 96.4%, respectively.

Conclusion  Ultrasound is indispensable for the evaluation of pregnant patients. It is an important tool for diagnosing PAS, thereby making the operating team more cautious and better equipped for difficult surgery and critical postoperative care. It can be relied upon as the sole modality to accurately rule out PAS in negative patients, thereby obviating unnecessary psychological stress among patients due to possible hysterectomy.