title: The MRI features of placental adhesion disorder-a pictorial review.
abstract: Placental adhesion disorder (PAD) comprises placenta accreta, increta and percreta lesions; these are classified according to the depth of uterine invasion. Although PAD is considered a rare condition, its incidence has increased 10-fold in the last 50 years. Ultrasound is the primary imaging modality for the assessment of the placenta and in the majority of cases, it is sufficient for diagnosis; however, when ultrasound findings are suspicious or inconclusive, MRI is recommended as an adjunct imaging technique. Numerous MRI features of PAD have been described, including dark intraplacental bands, disorganized intraplacental vascularity and abnormal uterine bulging. This pictorial review describes and illustrates these characteristics and discusses their implications in planning delivery. In addition, we present a series of "pitfall" cases to aid the interpreting radiologist and discuss management of PAD. PAD is a clinical and diagnostic challenge that is encountered with increasing frequency, requiring a cohesive multidisciplinary approach to its management.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Imaging, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK.
authors.forename: Faye
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cuthbert
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Imaging, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK.
authors.forename: Mireia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Teixidor Vinas
authors.affiliation: 2 University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Jessop Wing, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Elspeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Whitby
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010921:Placenta Accreta / Q000473:pathology*; D010923:Placenta Previa / Q000473:pathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors