MRI of placental polyps.

OBJECTIVE

Placental polyp is intrauterine polypoid placental tissue retained after delivery or abortion and may cause life-threatening bleeding. We studied the value of MRI in diagnosing placental polyps.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two women, 26 and 32 years old, with histologically proven placental polyp were included in this study. These patients were treated with local injections of methotrexate or transcatheter arterial embolization. The MR images before and after these treatments were studied retrospectively.

RESULTS

High intensity pedunculated masses of 3-4 cm in size were observed in the expanded uterine cavity on T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted SE images. Bloody contents were observed around the masses. Placental polyps were more intensely enhanced than the myometrium by the contrast media, and the enhanced T1-weighted images indicated the retained placental tissues with an adherent part to the myometrium. Magnetic resonance imaging was also useful in following up the reduction in the size of the lesions and in the blood flow after the treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnetic resonance imaging may be useful in diagnosing and following up placental polyps.