ObjectiveTo discuss the value of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis of placenta increta. MethodsThe clinical data of 42 patients with placenta increta admitted to Sichuan Provincial Hospital for Women and Children between May 2012 and January 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were examined by prenatal magnetic resonance scans and DWI scans for subsequent comparison between ADC of the local convex placental region and ADC of the normal placental region and between the results of the two imaging methods. ResultsADC of the implantation area was significantly different from that of the normal placenta, so it could be used as a quantitative index. DWI had a higher sensitivity of diagnosis than conventional MRI. ConclusionCompared with conventional magnetic resonance imaging, DWI is more valuable in the clinical diagnosis of placenta increta, which provides a reliable basis for clinical treatment.