Faculty Bibliography

OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the risk factor, histopathological correlations and diagnostic accuracy of prenatal imaging in detecting posterior PAS. METHODS:MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL were searched. Inclusion criteria were women with posterior PAS confirmed either at surgery or histopathological analysis. The outcomes explored were: risk factor for posterior PAS, histopathological correlation, and diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound and MRI in detecting these anomalies. Random-effect meta-analyses of proportions and summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) using the hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristics (HSROC) model were used to analyse the data. RESULTS:20 studies were included. Placenta previa was present in 92.8% pregnancies complicated by posterior PAS, while 76.1% of women had a prior uterine surgery (11 studies, 53/ 88 women), mainly a CS or curettage. When considering the histopathological analysis of women affected by posterior PAS, 77.5% had placenta accrete (11 studies, 34/44 women) , 19.5% placenta increta (11 studies, 8/44 women) and 9.3% placenta percreta (11 studies, 2/44 women ). 56.4% of posterior PAS disorders were detected prenatally on ultrasound, while 46.7% were diagnosed only at birth (12 studies, 31 /63 women). When exploring the distribution of the classic ultrasound signs of PAS, placental lacunae were present in 39.0% (7 studies, 12/30 women), loss of the clear zone in 41.15% (7 studies, 13/30 women) and bladder wall interruption in 16.6% of women (7 studies, 4/30 women), while none of the included cases showed hypervascularization at the bladder wall interface. When assessing the role of MRI in detecting posterior PAS, 73.5% of cases were detected at prenatal MRI, while 26.5% were discovered only at the time of CS (11 studies, 26/32 women). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Placenta previa and prior uterine surgery represent the most commonly reported risk factors for posterior PAS. Ultrasound had a very low diagnostic accuracy in detecting these disorders prenatally. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVE/UNASSIGNED:To define, illustrate and to follow-up the diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of a subset of the known enhanced myometrial vascularity (EMV): its extreme form, associated with cesarean scar pregnancies (CSP) and with some cases pf placenta accreta spectrum being at increased risk of significant bleeding complications. We also aim to provide guidance to the management of such cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS/UNASSIGNED:This is an IRB-approved retrospective observational study of thirteen patients with an extreme form of EMV complicating CSPs. Patient's age, parity, number of cesarean deliveries, initial and time to negative serum hCG levels, primary and secondary diagnoses, blood flow peak systolic velocities, primary and secondary treatments, uterine artery embolization and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS/UNASSIGNED:Gestational ages ranged 6-11 weeks at initial presentation. Initial serum hCG was 20.0-102.48 mIU/L (mean 44.4 mIU/L). Diameter of EMV reached 20-75 mm (mean 46.8 mm). The mean peak systolic velocity (PSV) was 84.2 cm/s (range 46.7-118.0). Primary treatments were: systemic methotrexate (MTX) alone; D&C alone; MTX and D&C; local and systemic intra-gestational MTX injection; double cervical ripening balloon with systemic MTX; misoprostol and D&C; emergent UAE. UAE and hysterectomy were the two main secondary treatments in 10 women except 1 having a D&C after UAE, and in 1 the lesion regressed without secondary treatment. Mean time to nonpregnant hCG levels was 21-122 days (mean 67.2). Mean follow-up was 110.2 days (range 26-160). Ten women were treated with UAE, 6 had one, 3 had two embolizations. Two women had hysterectomies, one of these for persistent bleeding. Based upon the common denominators of the clinical and the US pictures, our definition of extreme EMV is sustained form of EMV associated with treated or untreated CSP, with peak systolic velocities of blood flow over 50 cm/s, slow return or plateauing serum hCG, with or without clinically significant vaginal bleeding, unresponsive to initial or secondary treatment requiring uterine artery embolization or hysterectomy. CONCLUSION/UNASSIGNED:differs following the normal regression of the physiologically re-modelled, dilated vascular bed from the faulty "disrepair" of the vessel wall in in treated or untreated CSPs. The "threatening" appearance of the above EMVs warranted the term "extreme", creating their separate new sub-category." Extreme forms of CSP-related EMV pose significant diagnostic and management challenges. Prompt recognition and intervention, the proactive use of UAE, can maximize the outcome of women affected by this "extreme" form of EMV enabling to preserve reproductive potential. Obstetricians, gynecologists and interventional radiologists should be aware of this form of severe vascular complication.

Two-dimensional transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound (US) examinations are the suggested methods for examining the uterus. Three-dimensional (3D) US, which is not compulsory by society guidelines, provides additional uterine views, reassuring users of pathologic conditions not evident on customary sagittal and transverse views. The 3D coronal plane is rarely seen by 2-dimensional US transducers, let alone in extremely retroverted or axial uteri. Ultrasound machines nowadays feature 3D US capability. Our experience is that the coronal uterine view is a problem solver, helping diagnostic abilities of pelvic imaging. We advocate its liberal use and its acquisition in every pelvic scan. In this Pictorial Essay we present examples to demonstrate its use.

OBJECTIVE:The association between the most severe types of placenta accreta spectrum disorders and caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) poses the question of whether early diagnosis may impact the clinical outcome of these anomalies. The aim of this study is to report the outcome of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) diagnosed in the early (≤9 weeks) versus late (>9 weeks) first trimester of pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS:Medline, Embase and Clinicaltrail.gov databases were searched. Studies including cases of CSP with an early (≤9 weeks of gestation) compared to a late (>9 weeks) first trimester diagnosis of CSP, followed by immediate treatment, were included in this systematic review. The primary outcome was a composite measure of severe maternal morbidity including either severe first trimester bleeding, need for blood transfusion, uterine rupture or emergency hysterectomy. The secondary outcomes were the individual components of the primary outcome. Random-effect meta-analyses were used to combine data. RESULTS:Thirty-six studies (724 women with CSP) were included. Overall, composite adverse outcome complicated 5.9 % (95 % CI 3.5-9.0) of CSP diagnosed ≤9 weeks and 32.4 % (95 % CI 15.7-51.8) of those diagnosed >9 weeks. Massive hemorrhage occurred in 4.3 % (95 % CI 2.3-7.0) of women with early and in 28.0 % (95 % CI 14.1-44.5) of those with late first trimester diagnosis of CSP, while the corresponding figures for the need for blood transfusion were 1.5 % (95 % CI 0.6-2.8) and 15.8 % (95 % CI 5.5-30.2) respectively. Uterine rupture occurred in 2.5 % (95 % CI 1.2-4.1) of women with a prenatal diagnosis of CSP ≤ 9 weeks and in 7.5 % (95 % CI 2.5-14.9) of those with CSP > 9 weeks, while an emergency intervention involving hysterectomy was required in 3.7 % (95 % CI 2.2-5.4) and 16.3 % (95 % CI5.9-30.6) respectively. When computing the risk, early diagnosis of CSP was associated with a significantly lower risk of composite adverse outcome, (OR: 0.14; 95 % CI 0.1-0.4 p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:Early first trimester diagnosis of CSP is associated with a significantly lower risk of maternal complications, thus supporting a policy of universal screening for these anomalies in women with a prior cesarean delivery although the cost-effectiveness of such policy should be tested in future studies.

Objectives: Uterine myomas are a frequent finding in reproductive age women with an estimated incidence 12-25%. 1. Treatment of uterine myomas to facilitate good pregnancy rates and outcome, such as hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, abdominal resection uterine artery embolization among others were evaluated in terms of pregnancy outcome. While the literature is replete of the pregnancy complication of uterine rupture after myomectomies, 2-4 there are very few publications evaluate a relatively rare pregnancy complication associated with placental implantation within the uterine cavity at the site of the previous myomectomy, namely the myomectomy scar pregnancy (MSP). Despite their relative rarity, this type of pathologically adherent placenta rightfully belongs to the well-known entity of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS). Case presentation: We present a complicated case of MSP and review the available literature to raise attention to its clinical appearance, its prenatal diagnosis so appropriate intrapartum management can be planned.
Conclusion(s): Despite the rarity of MSP, continuous attention should be given at every single routinely scheduled or indication driven obstetrical US scan following myomectomies to evaluate the placental site implantation regardless of the route and technique of their initial surgical procedure.
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Placenta accreta spectrum includes the full range of abnormal placental attachment to the uterus or other structures, encompassing placenta accreta, placenta increta, placenta percreta, morbidly adherent placenta, and invasive placentation. The incidence of placenta accreta spectrum has increased in recent years, largely driven by increasing rates of cesarean delivery. Prenatal detection of placenta accreta spectrum is primarily made by ultrasound and is important to reduce maternal morbidity associated with the condition. Despite a large body of research on various placenta accreta spectrum ultrasound markers and their screening performance, inconsistencies in the literature persist. In response to the need for standardizing the definitions of placenta accreta spectrum markers and the approach to the ultrasound examination, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine convened a task force with representatives from the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Radiology, the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Society for Radiologists in Ultrasound, the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and the Gottesfeld-Hohler Memorial Ultrasound Foundation. The goals of the task force were to assess placenta accreta spectrum sonographic markers on the basis of available data and expert consensus, provide a standardized approach to the prenatal ultrasound evaluation of the uterus and placenta in pregnancies at risk of placenta accreta spectrum, and identify research gaps in the field. This manuscript provides information on the Placenta Accreta Spectrum Task Force process and findings.