title: Ultrasound predictors of placental invasion: the Placenta Accreta Index.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We sought to apply a standardized evaluation of ultrasound parameters for the prediction of placental invasion in a high-risk population.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a retrospective review of gravidas with ≥1 prior cesarean delivery who received an ultrasound diagnosis of placenta previa or low-lying placenta in the third trimester at our institution from 1997 through 2011. Sonographic images were reviewed by an investigator blinded to pregnancy outcome and sonography reports. Parameters assessed included loss of retroplacental clear zone, irregularity and width of uterine-bladder interface, smallest myometrial thickness, presence of lacunar spaces, and bridging vessels. Diagnosis of placental invasion was based on histologic confirmation. Statistical analyses were performed using linear logistic regression and multiparametric analyses to generate a predictive equation evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 184 gravidas who met inclusion criteria, 54 (29%) had invasion confirmed on hysterectomy specimen. All sonographic parameters were associated with placental invasion (P < .001). Constructing a receiver operating characteristic curve, the combination of smallest sagittal myometrial thickness, lacunae, and bridging vessels, in addition to number of cesarean deliveries and placental location, yielded an area under the curve of 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.80-0.95). Using logistic regression, a predictive equation was generated, termed the "Placenta Accreta Index." Each parameter was weighted to create a 9-point scale in which a score of 0-9 provided a probability of invasion that ranged from 2-96%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Assignment of the Placenta Accreta Index may be helpful in predicting individual patient risk for morbidly adherent placenta.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX. Electronic address: Martha.Rac@utsouthwestern.edu.
authors.forename: Martha W F
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Rac
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.
authors.forename: Jodi S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Dashe
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.
authors.forename: C Edward
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.
authors.forename: Elysia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Moschos
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.
authors.forename: Donald D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: McIntire
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX; Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.
authors.forename: Diane M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Twickler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D010921:Placenta Accreta / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010923:Placenta Previa / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk; D012372:ROC Curve; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000379:methods
keywords: accreta; invasion; ultrasound