[Placenta praevia percreta--a serious complication after previous cesarean section].

A 36-year-old G4P1 presented at 20 weeks gestation with vaginal bleeding. Her obstetrical history was significant for two first-trimester spontaneous abortions requiring curettage and a cesarean section. On admission placenta praevia was suspected by ultrasound. A placenta percreta was suspected by ultrasound follow-up at 30 weeks. At 33 weeks she underwent cesarean section because of serious vaginal bleeding. The profound blood loss with consecutive coagulopathy required an emergency hysterectomy and multiple blood transfusions. Placenta percreta is a rare but dramatic complication after previous cesarean section. This should be kept in mind as the rate of elective cesarean sections is rising continuously.