Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2025
Accurate and Simple Evaluation of Vascular Anastomoses in Monochorionic Placenta using Colored Dye
Published on: September 5, 2011
Comparison of T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging for the diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum abnormality
Adity Prakash1, Ishan Kumar1, Ashish Verma1
1Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Background:
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is feasible in prenatal imaging, and it exhibits better contrast between the placenta and the myometrium compared to T2-weighted (T2W) images.
Purpose:
To compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of placenta accreta on T2W and DW imaging.
Material And Methods:
In this retrospective study, 42 pregnant patients who underwent prenatal MRI were included. MRI was performed on a Siemens 1.5-T scanner. T2W and DWI sequences in the axial, sagittal, and/or coronal planes were compiled for review. Two radiologists independently interpreted T2W and DW images for placenta accreta. T2W and DWI scores were calculated based on the presence of features and graded as low, intermediate, and high risk. The association between imaging features and placental invasion on pathology was calculated using chi-square tests. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (NPV) were compared between T2W and DWI interpretations. Inter-reader agreement between the two radiologists for T2W and DWI scores was calculated using Cohen's kappa coefficient.
Results:
Out of 42 pregnant patients, 10 were pathologically/surgically proven to have placenta accreta. There were no significant differences between T2W and DWI interpretations. Considering a cutoff >6 as positive, the T2W score had higher sensitivity (90% vs. 80%) and NPV (96.9% vs. 94.1%) than the DWI score. The specificity and positive predictive value were 100% for both scores. The inter-reader agreement of T2W score was higher (k = 0.943 vs. 0.882).
Conclusion:
T2W and DWI are comparable in diagnosing placenta accreta spectrum. T2W sequences have higher sensitivity, NPV, and inter-reader agreement than DWI.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...