Three-dimensional color power Doppler imaging in the assessment of uteroplacental neovascularization in placenta previa increta/percreta

A case of placenta previa increta/percreta was diagnosed at 18 weeks’ gestation with the 3-dimensional color power Doppler imaging technique. Unusually extensive uteroplacental vascular network architecture was seen on the 3-dimensional angiohistogram. After appropriate counseling, the patient chose to terminate the pregnancy. A hysterectomy was performed with prophylactic preoperative embolization of internal iliac arteries at 21 weeks’ gestation, and histopathologic examination revealed placenta previa increta/percreta. This new 3-dimensional angiohistogram technique allowed us to visualize all 3 orthogonal planes of the angioarchitectural information. It appears to be a useful complementary tool and is likely to play a more defining and clarifying role in assessing the quantification of abnormal uteroplacental neovascularization for patients with placenta previa increta/percreta. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:1257-60.)