placenta accreta
Pronunciation: ah-KREE-tah
Abnormal placental attachment where chorionic villi invade the myometrium, preventing normal placental separation at delivery.
Full Definition
Placenta accreta is a serious obstetric condition where the placenta adheres abnormally to the uterine wall due to absence or deficiency of the decidua basalis, allowing chorionic villi to invade the myometrium. This spectrum includes placenta accreta (adherent to myometrium), placenta increta (invading into myometrium), and placenta percreta (penetrating through myometrium to serosa or adjacent organs). Risk factors include previous caesarean delivery, placenta praevia, and advanced maternal age. The condition prevents normal placental separation at delivery, often requiring hysterectomy and is associated with massive hemorrhage and significant maternal morbidity.
Usage
Usage note: Part of spectrum including increta and percreta - accreta is the mildest form; note Latin pronunciation.
In Context
- "Antenatal MRI confirmed placenta accreta requiring multidisciplinary delivery planning." — High-risk pregnancy consultation
- "Suspected placenta accreta at caesarean section necessitated immediate hysterectomy." — Emergency surgical procedure note