Retroplacental complex

Radiopaedia • CC-by-nc-sa 3.0 • de

Retroplacental complex (RPC) is the region behind the placenta and is composed of decidua basalis and portions of myometrium including the maternal veins which drain the placenta.

Radiographic features

Ultrasound
  • visualized post 20 weeks of gestation
  • seen as an echo-poor, subplacental region with linear horizontal echoes representing venous channels
  • Doppler flow is noted within the vascular channels
  • the thickness can go up to 9.5 mm

Related pathology

Prominent retroplacental complex in an anteriorly placed placenta may be a cause of torrential bleeding during invasive procedures such as Cesarean section or amniocentesis.

Differential diagnosis