MRI and placenta accreta: Keys for its interpretation in images, regarding a case

Introduction: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) refers to the abnormal adherence of the placental trophoblast to the uterine myometrium. Several conditions are associated with its development. Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice for antenatal diagnosis. In cases of doubt, magnetic resonance (MR) plays a leading role, due to its high performance, and contributes to surgical planning. The final diagnosis is made in the surgery, with subsequent confirmation by pathology. The objective of this article is to present a case of placenta increta, focused on the imaging findings in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Case Report: We present a case of a 35-year-old woman with a history of 2 previous cesarean sections and chronic hypertension, who presented a 23-week pregnancy with obstetric ultrasound showing placenta accreta. An MRI was performed, and it showed signs of placenta accreta, with no evidence of transmural extension to adjacent organs. At 34 weeks, a cesarean section and hysterectomy were performed, with no evidence of bladder invasion. Conclusion: The diagnosis of PAS is made antenatal with ultrasound, but MRI has been used in some cases, with some characteristic features that every radiologist should know.