First-trimester diagnosis of placenta previa percreta by magnetic resonance imaging

Placenta previa percreta with bladder involvement is a rare but devastating complication of pregnancy. Antepartum diagnosis of this serious condition allows the obstetrician to alter his or her management of abdominal delivery and minimize the magnitude of bleeding. We report a case in which magnetic resonance imaging was able to detect placenta percreta in the first trimester. If further research demonstrates usefulness of this diagnostic modality, magnetic resonance imaging may prove to be useful in caring for patients with this condition. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;178:616-8.)