Placental abruption is a serious pregnancy complication in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, potentially cutting off the baby’s supply of oxygen and nutrients and causing severe maternal bleeding. Risk factors include high blood pressure, trauma, smoking, and cocaine use. On ultrasound, a retroplacental hematoma (blood collection between the placenta and uterine wall) may be visible as a hypoechoic or mixed-echogenicity area, though the sensitivity of ultrasound for detecting abruption is limited — a significant number of abruptions are not visible sonographically. When abruption is detected, it may appear as thickening of the placenta, an echogenic area lifting the placenta away from the wall, or jiggling of the placenta with movement. The diagnosis is often clinical, with ultrasound serving a supportive role.
Sonography Term