placenta accreta spectrum
A range of conditions where placental villi abnormally invade the uterine wall, from superficial attachment to complete penetration.
Full Definition
Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) encompasses a range of placental attachment disorders characterized by abnormal invasion of placental villi into the uterine wall. The spectrum includes placenta accreta (superficial myometrial invasion), placenta increta (deep myometrial invasion), and placenta percreta (invasion through the serosa and potentially into adjacent organs). Risk factors include previous cesarean delivery, placenta previa, advanced maternal age, and multiparity. PAS is associated with significant maternal morbidity, including massive hemorrhage, need for hysterectomy, and intensive care unit admission. Prenatal diagnosis using ultrasound and MRI allows for delivery planning at specialized centers with multidisciplinary teams including maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, and interventional radiology.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred term over older classifications; encompasses the full spectrum of abnormal placental invasion.
In Context
- "MRI confirmed placenta percreta with invasion into the posterior bladder wall." — Radiology report
- "The multidisciplinary team planned cesarean hysterectomy for management of placenta accreta spectrum." — Surgical planning note