Color flow mapping for myometrial invasion in women with a prior cesarean delivery

Abstract

Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate the utility of color flow mapping in the prediction of placental myometrial invasion in women with Cesarean delivery.

Methods: Ultrasound color flow mapping was performed on placental implantations in potential proximity to the hysterotomy scar. The smallest myometrial thickness was measured under the placenta to evaluate the degree of myometrial attenuation in this area and note was made of unusual vascular lakes.

Results: Two hundred fifteen women with placentas in proximity to the prior hysterotomy scar underwent color Doppler mapping. Of 20 women with placenta previa and Cesarean delivery, 15 had Cesarean hysterectomy for bleeding complications and nine had the pathological diagnosis of placental invasion. The measurement of < 1 mm for the smallest myometrial thickness or presence of large intraplacental lakes was predictive of myometrial invasion (sensitivity 100%, specificity 72%, PPPV 72%, and NPV 100%).

Conclusions: Color flow mapping predicted myometrial invasion when the smallest myometrial thickness was < 1 mm and large intraplacental lakes were demonstrated.

Key Words:

• ultrasound
• color flow mapping
• placenta
• accreta
• Cesarean delivery