Placenta percreta: Magnetic resonance imaging and temporary bilateral internal iliac artery balloon occlusion

Placenta percreta is an implantation disorder, which can cause potentially life-threatening hemorrhage especially when diagnosed during delivery. Traditionally, ultrasound has been the first-line diagnostic imaging modality used to diagnose placentra percreta. However, in cases where ultrasound cannot dependably establish a diagnosis or placental invasion involves adjacent structures, such as the bladder, magnetic resonance imaging has been reported as a more precise imaging modality. Magnetic resonance imaging should be considered for early, more accurate diagnosis of placenta percreta to avoid massive hemorrhage during delivery and cesarean hysterectomy. If the diagnosis of placenta percreta is made, temporary balloon occlusion of bilateral internal iliac arteries should be considered to prevent excessive blood loss. This case report should alert radiologists and obstetricians of the precise diagnosis offered by magnetic resonance imaging, the use of temporary balloon occlusion, and the need for further research on magnetic resonance, ultrasound, and Doppler imaging of placenta percreta.