Placenta percreta

Last revised by Khalid Alhusseiny on 3 May 2023

Placenta percreta is a term given to the most severe but least common form of the placenta accreta spectrum disorders, where there is a transmural extension of placental tissue across the myometrium with a serosal breach. It carries severe maternal as well as fetal risks.

The milder end of the spectrum of abnormal placental villi adherence are:

It represents ~5% of all types of abnormal villous adherence. The incidence is thought to be increasing, probably due to the increasing practice of cesarean sections (which is a risk factor).

It is characterized by transmural extension of placental tissue across the myometrium with a serosal breach. Placental invasion of the myometrium is related to a thinned decidual endometrium at the site of implantation and this can happen for a number of reasons.

Ultrasound may identify:

  • protrusion of placental tissue beyond the outer confines of the uterine myometrium

  • increased vascularity between serosa and adjacent structures such as the bladder

Surgical intervention is a mainstay of treatment in most cases. However, bleeding during the intervention is a serious concern especially in a situation where adjacent organs such as bladder or bowel are involved. In these circumstances, conservative management is preferred. Embolization techniques have also been used in selected cases.

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.