SonoPODography: A new diagnostic technique for visualizing superficial endometriosis

M Leonardi, Mathew Leonardi, K P Robledo, Kristy Robledo, Mercedes Espada, M Espada, Vanza K, K Vanza, G Condous, Condous G
European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology · 2020 · vol. 254 , pp. 124–131 · doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.08.051 · PMID:32961428 · W3087822365
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SonoPODography is a novel diagnostic technique developed to visualize superficial endometriosis by using ultrasound.

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Abstract

ObjectiveTo perform a pilot diagnostic accuracy study of a novel transvaginal ultrasonography procedure called saline-infusion sonoPODography to predict superficial endometriosis in patients with suspected endometriosis.Study designA prospective single-center diagnostic accuracy study was performed from September 2019-November 2019. The index test sonoPODography was performed and the results were documented in a standardized fashion. SonoPODography was performed by installing saline into the pouch of Douglas (POD) via an intrauterine balloon catheter to create an acoustic window between the ultrasound probe and surrounding structures. The pelvis was then assessed for the presence or absence of superficial endometriosis using pre-defined features. Direct visualization at laparoscopy and histological assessment of excised endometriosis confirmed the outcome. The diagnostic performance of sonoPODography was evaluated.Results42 consecutive participants underwent sonoPODography. Superficial endometriosis was identified by sonoPODography in 24/42 (57.1 %) and in 37/42 (88.1 %) participants by direct visualization at laparoscopy. The overall diagnostic performance of sonoPODography was: accuracy 69.1 %, sensitivity 64.9 %, specificity 100.0 %, positive predictive value 100.0 %, negative predictive value 27.8 %. Amongst those without deep endometriosis/endometriomas/pouch of Douglas obliteration, the diagnostic performance was: accuracy 80.0 %, sensitivity 77.7 %, specificity 100.0 %, positive predictive value 100.0 %, negative predictive value 33.3 %. The pouch of Douglas peritoneum was the most common site of superficial endometriosis.ConclusionsSonoPODography is a novel ultrasound-based procedure that permits the direct visualization of superficial with respectable diagnostic accuracy. The findings of this pilot study are promising and justify the initiation of a larger outpatient study. SonoPODography may establish new avenues for the non-invasive diagnosis and investigation of endometriosis.

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Condition tags

endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Endometriosis Endometriosis Endometriosis Laparoscopy Douglas' Pouch Douglas' Pouch Female Humans Pilot Projects Prospective Studies 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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