Ultrasonographic evaluations of placenta previa

ABSTRACT

Diagnostic ultrasound has become one of the most useful tools in the practice of obstetics. It has been ofparticular utility in the placental localization. We analyzed 34 patients of placenta previa scanned byultrasound. The reults were as follows; 1. The age of patient ranged from 22 to 39 years, showing the highestincidence in 26 to 30 years. 2. The accuracy of correct localization was 70.6%. 3. Among 13 cases diagnosed byultrasound as total placenta previa, 2 cases were partial placenta previa and 1 was low-lying placenta at the timeof delivery. 4. Among 9 cases diagnosed by ultrasound as partial placenta previa, 1 case was total palcenta previaand 1 case was low-lying placenta and 1 case was upper segment placenta. 5. Among 10 cases diagnosed by utrasoundas low-lying placenta, 2 cases were partial placenta previa. 6. Among 2 cases diagnosed by utlrasound as uppersegment placenta, 1 case was total placental previa and 1 case was partial placenta previa. 7. Among 9 cases doneserial ultrasoud, 3 cases revealed that the placenta migrates toward fundus in the course of pregnancy, Therefore,the palcental scanning should be repeated in the last month before term to decide the mode of delivery.conclusively, ultrasonography is the imaging modality of choice in the evaluation of placental localization becuseit provides speedy and repeatable way without any known risk to both mother and fetus itself. Careful performanceand accurate interpretation shold be needed for more correct palcental localization.