RESUMO
Placenta accreta is a potential grievous obstetric condition that calls for a multidisciplinary timely management. Placenta accreta refers to placenta that is firmly adherent to the myometrium.1 Three types of adherent placental attachments are, placenta accreta (the uterine decidua is absent and the chronic villi attaches to the myometrium directly), placenta increta (the chronic villi invades into the myometrium), and placenta percreta (the villi penetrate the myometrium up to the serosal layer).2The incidence of placenta accreta has increased ten-fold in the past 50 years.3 It can lead to excessive bleeding, haemorrhagic and neurogenic shock, sepsis, uterine inversion, or need for hysterectomy.4Previous obstetrics interventions like caesarean deliveries are the largest risk factor for the placenta accreta, or previous dilatation and curettage or previous manual removal of placenta. Increasing maternal age and parity, as well as other uterine surgeries also have increased risks. When placenta accrete is suspected, a multidisciplinary team with expertise should be there to take care of such cases. Although ultrasound and magnetic resonance image (MRI) may or may not indicate clearly an invasive placenta, the final diagnosis is made intra-operatively and is supported by histopathological examination.4Placenta accreta is associated with high morbidity and mortality of the mother and the foetus and has high demands on health resources. Antepartum haemorrhage may occur in such cases if there is associated placenta previa. MRI is the best modality for diagnosis when there is suspicion of placenta accreta clinically.