Antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders

Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2021 Apr:72:13-24. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.06.010. Epub 2020 Jul 15.

Abstract

Antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders allows planned management by a multidisciplinary team in a tertiary center, and thus can reduce hemorrhagic morbidity, compared with intrapartum diagnosis. Previous Cesarean section and placenta previa are the two most common risk factors. Prenatal ultrasound is a promising diagnostic tool for PAS in the second or third trimester. Recent evidence shows sonographic markers of PAS can be present in the first trimester. Prenatal ultrasound may help predict the depth and topography of placental invasion which are the major determinants of maternal morbidity. The presence of increased vascularity in the inferior part of the lower uterine segment and the parametrial region is associated with a more severe disorder according to a newly proposed staging system. In this chapter, we will discuss how to improve the prediction of PAS, the depth, and topography of placental invasion.

Keywords: Placenta accreta; Placenta accreta spectrum; Placenta increta; Placenta percreta; Placenta previa; Ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cesarean Section
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Placenta Accreta* / diagnostic imaging
  • Placenta Previa* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal