Assessment of the massive hemorrhage in placenta accreta spectrum with magnetic resonance imaging

Jie Zhang1, Han Xu1, Yinghui Xin1

  • 1Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China.

Insights

MRI features can predict massive hemorrhage in patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). Specific findings like intra-placental dark bands and heterogeneous placenta are key indicators for massive hemorrhage and transfusion needs.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Obstetrics
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

  • Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) poses significant risks, including massive hemorrhage.
  • Accurate prediction of hemorrhage is crucial for surgical planning and patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) features can predict massive hemorrhage in patients with suspected PAS.
  • To identify specific MRI findings associated with increased blood loss and transfusion requirements.

Main Methods:

  • 40 patients with suspected PAS underwent MRI.
  • 29 confirmed PAS patients were analyzed, divided into moderate and massive hemorrhage groups.
  • Two radiologists independently assessed 11 MRI features in a blinded manner.
  • Comparison of MRI features between hemorrhage groups and correlation with Estimated Blood Loss (EBL) and transfusion data.

Main Results:

  • High inter-observer agreement was achieved for MRI feature assessment (P<0.05).
  • Intra-placental thick dark bands and markedly heterogeneous placenta were significant predictors of massive hemorrhage and blood transfusion (P<0.05).
  • Focal defect of the uteroplacental interface (UPI) correlated with significant differences in EBL (P<0.05).
  • Myometrial thinning, disrupted UPI inner layer, and increased vascularity at the UPI were associated with significant differences in blood transfusion requirements (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Specific MRI features demonstrate potential in predicting massive hemorrhage in PAS patients.
  • These findings can aid in pre-operative preparation and risk stratification for PAS management.
  • MRI is a valuable tool for assessing hemorrhage risk in placenta accreta spectrum.