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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Accurate and Simple Evaluation of Vascular Anastomoses in Monochorionic Placenta using Colored Dye
Published on: September 5, 2011
Prediction of placenta accreta by ultrasonography and color Doppler imaging
T Casey Woodring1, Chad K Klauser, James A Bofill
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA.
Objective:
To determine the accuracy of ultrasound and color flow Doppler to diagnose placenta accreta.
Methods:
Respectively, ultrasound images consistent with signs of placenta accreta (concomitant previa, numerous vascular lacunae, absent lower uterine segment between bladder-placenta, turbulent or complicated blood flow at the uteroplacental interface) were correlated with findings at the time of surgery and pathologic examination.
Results:
Over 64 months, 12 cases with suspected placenta accreta by ultrasound were studied. The median gestational age at first diagnosis was 25 weeks and 92% had a previa while all had at least one previous cesarean delivery. At surgery, 83% (10/12) had an adherent placenta requiring hysterectomy (eight accreta, one increta, and one percreta). There were two false positives (one complete previa, one low-lying placenta with vasa previa). Nine of 12 women (75%) required blood transfusions due to a mean hematocrit nadir of 22.7 ± 4.6%. The mean number of packed red blood cell units transfused was 4.9 ± 4.7 units (range 2-17 units).
Conclusion:
Sonography coupled with color-flow Doppler appears helpful in allowing antenatal diagnosis of accreta.
