Abstract:Objective To compare the prenatal diagnostic value of color Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for pernicious placenta previa with placenta accreta.Methods Ninety-three pregnant women with suspected pernicious placenta previa with placenta accreta who were treated at Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital between January 2023 and January 2026 were enrolled. Using postoperative pathological findings as the gold standard, the diagnostic performance of prenatal imaging and its agreement with pathological findings were evaluated. All participants underwent prenatal color Doppler ultrasonography (transabdominal and transvaginal) and MRI. Images were independently reviewed in a double-blind manner by two experienced physicians. The diagnostic performance of each method alone and in combination was evaluated.Results Among the 93 suspected cases, postoperative pathology confirmed 61 positive and 32 negative cases. The sensitivity and specificity of color Doppler ultrasound were 86.89% (53/61) and 84.38% (27/32), respectively; those of MRI were 91.80% (56/61) and 87.50% (28/32), respectively; and those of the combined approach were 98.36% (60/61) and 93.75% (30/32), respectively.Conclusion Color Doppler ultrasound and MRI both have high diagnostic value for pernicious placenta previa with placenta accreta. MRI has a particular advantage in assessing the depth and extent of placental invasion.