Retroplacental complex

Last revised by Joshua Yap on 18 Mar 2023

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.

  • visualized after 20 weeks of gestation

  • seen as an hypoechoic, subplacental region with linear horizontal echoes representing venous channels

  • Doppler flow is noted within the vascular channels

  • the thickness may be up to 9.5 mm

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

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