Additional Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Ultrasound in Assessing Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study from Vietnam

Successful management of cesarean scar pregnancy progressive to placenta accreta spectrum: An uncommon condition in Vietnam and mini-review of the literature

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is an uncommon ectopic pregnancy that could be progressive to the placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). It is defined as abnormal trophoblast invasion of part or all of the placenta into the myometrium of the uterine wall, with varying degrees of severity. These abnormal pathologies of placental implantation could lead to life-threatening complications for pregnant women.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 39-year-old female patient was transferred to our consultant hospital for the diagnosis of CSP at 6 weeks of gestational age (GA). Due to asymptomatic presentation, the patient requested continuing pregnancy despite the high risk of uterine rupture and massive hemorrhage. The pregnant woman was strictly monitored on clinical aspects and ultrasound findings. Noticely, the PAS was suspected at 15-16 weeks of GA, and PAS type percreta was diagnosed at 22 weeks of GA. However, the woman continued her pregnancy and a planned cesarean delivery was performed at 34 weeks 6 days of GA. Additionally, modified one-step conservative surgery (MOSCUS) was successfully applied for uterine preservation. The materno-fetal outcomes were favorable.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

CSP is related to highly severe complications during pregnancy and the possibility of PAS. A timely termination of pregnancy ought to be discussed with the patient upon diagnosis. However, a proper management is more challenging for women desiring pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

A continuing pregnancy and strict monitoring with a multidisciplinary team could be considered if the patient refuses medical abortion in cases of CSP progressive to PAS. Further data is needed on this entity.

Advances in Prenatal Diagnosis of Placenta Accreta Spectrum

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) involves abnormal placental attachment and can lead to severe complications such as postpartum hemorrhage and hysterectomy. Ultrasound is the main tool used to screen for PAS due to its non-invasive nature and convenience, although its accuracy depends on the skill of the operator. Magnetic Resonance Imaging has emerged as a supplementary tool, especially for complex cases or posterior placentas, providing more accurate anatomical detail and enabling the invasion depth and location to be assessed. This review summarizes recent advances in prenatal imaging for PAS, aiming to improve diagnostic accuracy and guide future research.