Accuracy of MRI and Ultrasound in the diagnosis of placenta accreta in susceptible women referred to Tabriz gynecology hospitals

Placenta accreta has very dangerous effects for mother and baby; timely diagnosis of this complication can decrease the maternal and neonatal health. Due to the lack of MRI use for timely diagnosis of placenta accreta in Iran, this study was performed with aim to evaluate the accuracy of MRI and ultrasound in the diagnosis of placenta accreta in susceptible women referred to gynecology hospitals in Tabriz.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Tabriz gynecology hospitals during 2015-2016 with the participation of 38 susceptible women to placenta accreta. After examination, the patients were referred to the imaging center (ultrasound and MRI) and the results of imaging were compared with the results of after cesarean. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 20) and McNemar test. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

MRI examinations showed that 17 patients (89.47%) had placenta accreta, while ultrasound examination showed that 12 (63.15%) had placenta accreta. Comparison of the specificity and sensitivity showed that Ultrasound sensitivity (70%) and specificity (93%) were significantly lower than MRI sensitivity (79%) (p=0.048) and specificity (100%) (p=0.039).

The accuracy, sensitivity, and predictive power of MRI technique in timely detection of this dangerous complication were very good compared to ultrasound and can be used in women susceptible to placenta accreta.