Transvaginal ultrasound or MRI for diagnosis of adenomyosis

Margit Dueholm, Erik Lundorf, Lundorf E
Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology · 2007 · vol. 19(6) , pp. 505–512 · doi:10.1097/gco.0b013e3282f1bf00 · PMID:18007126 · W2090949680
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⚙ AI-generated summary by gemini-2.5-flash-lite, 2026-06-09 ⓘ

Both transvaginal ultrasound and MRI effectively diagnose adenomyosis, with MRI being less observer-dependent, though specialized training is crucial for both modalities.

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⚙ AI-generated deep summary by qwen3.7-flash, 2026-08-17 · read from full text ⓘ

This review evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for identifying adenomyosis. While both modalities demonstrate effective image resolution, transvaginal ultrasound requires significant training to recognize specific patterns, whereas MRI findings are less observer-dependent but still benefit from expert gynecologic interpretation. The authors note that ultrasound serves as the initial choice for pelvic symptoms, with MRI reserved for complex cases or when ultrasound results are inconclusive due to coexisting abnormalities like myomas or severe endometriosis. This paper is centrally about adenomyosis — specifically comparing the diagnostic utility and limitations of transvaginal ultrasound versus MRI in clinical practice.

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Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Transvaginal ultrasound and MRI are used to diagnose adenomyosis. This review summarizes the current evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of these techniques. RECENT FINDINGS: The image resolution of both transvaginal ultrasound and MRI is effective for the diagnosis of adenomyosis. In a limited number of well-designed studies the diagnostic efficiency of MRI and transvaginal ultrasound were almost in line. With transvaginal ultrasound, considerable training is needed to recognize the distinct ultrasound pattern in the diagnosis of adenomyosis. The findings in MRI are less observer dependent, but still somewhat dependent on an MRI observer who is expert in gynecologic imaging. SUMMARY: Transvaginal ultrasound is the natural first choice of image modality when investigating pelvic pain or menstrual disorders, but correct diagnosis of adenomyosis is dependent on sonographers trained in pattern recognition of adenomyosis. When transvaginal ultrasound provides indefinite findings or when dealing with difficult cases with coexistence of other abnormalities (myomas and severe endometriosis), MRI may add information and increase the diagnostic performance.
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Transvaginal ultrasound or MRI for diagnosis of adenomyosis - Margit Dueholm - Erik Lundorf Purpose of review Transvaginal ultrasound and MRI are used to diagnose adenomyosis. This review summarizes the current evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of these techniques. Recent findings The image resolution of both transvaginal ultrasound and MRI is effective for the diagnosis of adenomyosis. In a limited number of well-designed studies the diagnostic efficiency of MRI and transvaginal ultrasound were almost in line. With transvaginal ultrasound, considerable training is needed to recognize the distinct ultrasound pattern in the diagnosis of adenomyosis. The findings in MRI are less observer dependent, but still somewhat dependent on an MRI observer who is expert in gynecologic imaging. Summary Transvaginal ultrasound is the natural first choice of image modality when investigating pelvic pain or menstrual disorders, but correct diagnosis of adenomyosis is dependent on sonographers trained in pattern recognition of adenomyosis. When transvaginal ultrasound provides indefinite findings or when dealing with difficult cases with coexistence of other abnormalities (myomas and severe endometriosis), MRI may add information and increase the diagnostic performance.

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Condition tags

endometriosisadenomyosis

MeSH descriptors

Endometriosis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Ultrasonography Uterine Diseases Diagnosis, Differential Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometrium Endometrium Endometrium Female Humans Magnetic Resonance Imaging Myometrium Myometrium Myometrium Observer Variation Reproducibility of Results Sensitivity and Specificity Ultrasonography

Citation neighborhood

Papers in the corpus that this work cites (lower rings, blue) and that cite this one (upper rings, green). Dot size scales with the paper's in-corpus citation count — bigger dot = more influential within the endo/adeno field. Click a dot to open that paper. [ expand to 2 hops ] — adds papers reached through this work's immediate citers/citees. Heavier; up to 60 extra dots.

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