Abstract

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of Doppler ultrasonography in the antenatal diagnosis of abnormal placental invasion secondary to placenta previa in patients visiting Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, using operative findings of cesarean section as the gold standard.
Methodology: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted in the Radiology department of Dr. Ziauddin Hospital from January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022. A total of 271 pregnant multiparous women diagnosed with placenta previa on ultrasound were included. All patients underwent color Doppler ultrasound examination to assess the presence of abnormal placental invasion. The results of quantitative and qualitative variables, as well as abnormal placental invasions on color Doppler ultrasonography and operative findings, were recorded. Frequency and percentages were calculated for gravidity, abnormal placental invasions on colour Doppler USG and operative findings. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and diagnostic accuracy of the color Doppler USG were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.
Results: The average age of the patients was 26.61 ± 4.76 years. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of Doppler ultrasonography in the antenatal diagnosis of abnormal placental invasion secondary to placenta previa were 85.1%, 93.8%, 74.1%, 96.8%, and 92.2%, respectively.
Conclusion: It is concluded that persistent placenta previa, particularly in patients with a history of prior cesarean section, should undergo antenatal transabdominal Doppler ultrasound to identify abnormal utero-placental vascular flow patterns.