Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Deep Endometriosis

S. Ajossa, Anna Maria Paoletti, Nicoletta Garau, Valerio Mais, Bruno Piras, M. Gerada, Enrico Silvetti, Marisa Orrù, L. Floris, Gian Benedetto Melis
In: Donald School Journal of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology · 2009 · vol. 3(1) , pp. 15–20 · doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10009-1004 · W2082401461
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This review evaluates transvaginal ultrasonography as a first-line diagnostic tool for deep endometriosis, finding it accurate for specific pelvic locations despite controversial data on bladder involvement and the need for operator training.

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Abstract

Abstract Deep pelvic endometriosis is defined as subperitoneal infiltration of endometrial implants in the uterosacral ligaments, rectum, rectovaginal septum, vagina, or bladder. Although laparoscopy and biopsy remain the gold standard for diagnosis, transvaginal ultrasonography should be considered as the first-line procedure because of its high diffusion and relatively low cost and discomfort. We analyzed in the present review the diagnostic capability of transvaginal ultrasonography in the detection of presence of deep endometriosis in some specific pelvic localizations such as bowel, uterosacral ligaments, rectovaginal septum and/or vagina. We also analyzed the few studies performed in the evaluation of bladder endometriosis. Although some studies are controversial, transvaginal ultrasonography seems to be an accurate technique in the identifications of deep endometriosis in several pelvic locations but a specific training of the operators is suggested.

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Condition tags

endometriosisbladder_endometriosis

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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