placenta accreta
Pronunciation: pluh-SEN-tuh uh-KREE-tuh
Abnormal placental attachment where chorionic villi adhere directly to the myometrium without intervening decidua.
Full Definition
Placenta accreta is a serious obstetric condition where the placenta attaches too deeply into the uterine wall, occurring when the decidua basalis is deficient or absent. This abnormal attachment prevents normal placental separation after delivery, leading to massive hemorrhage and often requiring hysterectomy. The condition has three variants based on depth of invasion: accreta (attached to myometrium), increta (invades into myometrium), and percreta (penetrates through myometrium). Risk factors include previous cesarean deliveries, placenta previa, and advanced maternal age. The incidence has increased dramatically with rising cesarean rates.
Usage
Usage note: Part of spectrum including increta and percreta. Accreta is the mildest form but still high-risk.
In Context
- "MRI findings were consistent with placenta accreta in this patient with placenta previa." — Radiology interpretation
- "The multidisciplinary team planned cesarean hysterectomy due to suspected placenta accreta." — Surgical planning note