Clínica de Diagnóstico por Imagem (CDPI) & Instituto Fernandes Figueira (IFF) – FIOCRUZRio de Janeiro – Brazil

Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta is implanted in the lower segment of the uterus and covers partly or completely the cervical os. The diagnosis should not be defined before the second trimester. This condition can increase the incidence of placenta invasion into the myometrium. Placenta accreta, increta and percreta indicate progressively greater degree of penetration of the myometrium which is difficult do be distinguished by ultrasonography. Placenta accreta is present in 5% of placenta previa’s cases and 30% of all cases are associated with placenta previa.

References

• Finberg HJ, Williams JW. Placenta accreta: prospective sonographic diagnosis in patients with placenta previa and prior cesarean section. J Ultrasound Med 1992; 11: 333-343.

• Spirt BA, Gordon LP. Sonography of the placenta. In: Fleischer AC, Maning FA, Jeanty P, Romero R. Sonography in Obstetrics and Gynecology: principles and practice. 5th ed. Satanford: Appleton & Lange, 1996.