When to MRI

MRI is a non-invasive second line tool which can make a valuable contribution to the diagnosis and pre surgical mapping of pelvic endometriosis. It is validated and serves as an adjunct to high quality ultrasound. It has particular strengths in the mapping of complex obliterative deep cul de sac disease and adjacent organ involvement. It has high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing pelvic endometriosis and can upstage the degree of endometriosis compared to diagnostic laparoscopy. The use of MRI for endometriosis in Australia has significantly increased in the last 5 years and there is growing national and international research occurring in this space. Access has also improved dramatically for patients since the allocation of $25m of funding to make available Medicare funding for MRI imaging of suspected significant endometriosis by the Federal Government in mid-2022. As clinician and community awareness of improved MRI access grows, it is even more important to have a working knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of MRI for anyone involved in the diagnosis, workup, and management of patients with suspected or proven endometriosis.