[Management of placenta accreta].

Placenta accreta occurs when a defect of the decidua basalis results in abnormally invasive placental implantation. Main risk factors include placenta previa and previous caesarean section. The conventional sonographic criteria for abnormally adherent placenta have a good diagnostic value that has to be assessed. MRI should improve the diagnosis when sonography is inconclusive. The choice of the treatment results of medical staff and the women's choice. It implies centers with adequate equipment and resources. Radical strategy consists in caesarean hysterectomy according to American recommendations or in an attempt of complete placental delivery associated with trial haemostasis and hysterectomy if this fails. A conservative approach whereby the placenta is left in place may however be proposed in selected cases if the woman wishes to continue to be fertile. This strategy needs a rigorous follow-up until complete resorption of the placenta. In case of major hemorrhage, hysterectomy should not be delayed to prevent major maternal complications or even maternal death.