The Role of Ultrasound in the Evolving Landscape of Precision Imaging of Endometriosis

In: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports · 2025 · vol. 14(1) · doi:10.1007/s13669-025-00424-2 · W4411128128
article OA: closed CC0
Full text JSON View on OpenAlex View at publisher
AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06+body, 2026-06-20

This review summarizes current transvaginal ultrasound techniques and specialized protocols for detecting endometriosis, highlighting its role in enhancing early detection and precision imaging.

One-sentence paraphrase of the abstract; not a substitute for reading it. No clinical advice. How this works

AI-generated deep summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-07 · read from full text

This review examines how transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is being used for precision imaging in endometriosis, summarizing current techniques, challenges, and clinical applications aimed at improving early detection. It highlights advances such as real-time dynamic imaging, sonoPODgraphy, and Doppler assessment, which improve visualization of superficial endometriosis that was previously difficult to detect. The paper’s caveat is that it summarizes evolving methods and does not report new primary datasets or analyses, so comparative effectiveness across protocols is not directly established within the review. This paper is centrally about endometriosis — it focuses on the role and evolving TVS techniques for diagnosing endometriosis.

Read from the paper's body, not the abstract. Not a substitute for reading the paper. No clinical advice. How this works

Full text 27,058 characters · extracted from oa-doi-fallback · 2 sections · click to expand

Abstract

Purpose of Review Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition that affects millions of individuals assigned female at birth worldwide, often leading to severe pelvic pain and infertility. This review focuses on the current techniques, challenges and clinical applications of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) in endometriosis diagnosis, highlighting its role in enhancing early detection and precision imaging. Recent Findings Advances in TVS, including real-time dynamic imaging, sonoPODgraphy and Doppler assessment, has emerged as a non-invasive, accessible, and highly effective tool for diagnosing endometriosis. Evolving sonographic techniques allow better visualization of superficial endometriosis, which were previously difficult to detect. Summary This review summarizes the current TVS techniques and specialized protocols for detecting endometriosis, offering clinicians valuable insights into optimizing diagnostic strategies and enhancing patient care. With ongoing advancements in ultrasound, it has the potential to revolutionize the standard diagnostic approach, minimizing delays and significantly improving patient outcomes. Similar content being viewed by others Data Availability No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

References

Allaire C, Bedaiwy MA, Yong PJ. Diagnosis and management of endometriosis. Can Med Assoc J (CMAJ). 2023;195(10):E363–71. Johnson NP, Hummelshoj L, Adamson GD, Keckstein J, Taylor HS, Abrao MS, et al. World Endometriosis Society consensus on the classification of endometriosis. Hum Reprod (Oxford). 2017;32(2):315–24. Zondervan KT, Becker CM, Missmer SA. Endometriosis. N Engl J Med. 2020;382(13):1244–56. Singh SS, Allaire C, Al-Nourhji O, Bougie O, Bridge-Cook P, Duigenan S, et al. Guideline No. 449: Diagnosis and Impact of Endometriosis – A Canadian Guideline. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2024;46(5):102450. Davenport S, Smith D, Green DJ. Barriers to a Timely Diagnosis of Endometriosis: A Qualitative Systematic Review. Obstet Gynecol (New York 1953). 2023;142(3):571–83. Somigliana E, Vercellini P, Vigano’ P, Benaglia L, Crosignani PG, Fedele L. Non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis: the goal or own goal? Hum Reprod (Oxford). 2010;25(8):1863–8. Ballard K, Lowton K, Wright J. What’s the delay? A qualitative study of women’s experiences of reaching a diagnosis of endometriosis. Fertil Steril. 2006;86(5):1296–301. Practice Bulletin No. 114: Management of Endometriosis. Obstetrics and gynecology (New York 1953). 2010;116(1):223–36. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181e8b073. Agarwal SK, Chapron C, Giudice LC, Laufer MR, Leyland N, Missmer SA, et al. Clinical diagnosis of endometriosis: a call to action. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;220(4):354.e1-354.e12. Goncalves MO, Siufi Neto J, Andres MP, Siufi D, de Mattos LA, Abrao MS. Systematic evaluation of endometriosis by transvaginal ultrasound can accurately replace diagnostic laparoscopy, mainly for deep and ovarian endometriosis. Hum Repr (Oxford). 2021;36(6):1492–500. Becker CM, Bokor A, Heikinheimo O, Horne A, Jansen F, Kiesel L, et al. ESHRE guideline: endometriosis. Hum Reprod Open. 2022;2022(2):hoac009–hoac009. Tomassetti C, Bafort C, Vanhie A, Meuleman C, Fieuws S, Welkenhuysen M, et al. Estimation of the Endometriosis Fertility Index prior to operative laparoscopy. Hum Reprod (Oxford). 2021;36(3):636–46. Vesali S, Razavi M, Rezaeinejad M, Maleki-Hajiagha A, Maroufizadeh S, Sepidarkish M. Endometriosis fertility index for predicting non-assisted reproductive technology pregnancy after endometriosis surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG : An Inte J Obstet Gynaecol. 2020;127(7):800–9. Adamson GD, Pasta DJ. Endometriosis fertility index: the new, validated endometriosis staging system. Fertil Steril. 2010;94(5):1609–15. Vermeulen N, Abrao MS, Einarsson JI, Horne AW, Johnson NP, Lee TTM, et al. Endometriosis Classification, Staging and Reporting Systems: A Review on the Road to a Universally Accepted Endometriosis Classification. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2021;28(11):1822–48. Guerriero S, Condous G, van den Bosch T, Valentin L, Leone FPG, Van Schoubroeck D, et al. Systematic approach to sonographic evaluation of the pelvis in women with suspected endometriosis, including terms, definitions and measurements: a consensus opinion from the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) group. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2016;48(3):318–32. Leonardi M, Uzuner C, Mestdagh W, Lu C, Guerriero S, Zajicek M, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound for detection of endometriosis using International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) approach: prospective international pilot study. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2022;60(3):404–13. Mick I, Freger S, Marien M, Gholiof M, Leonardi M. Diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasonography for endometriosis according to the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis consensus. O&G Open. 2025;2:e061. https://doi.org/10.1097/og9.0000000000000061. Tan S, Leonardi M, Lo G, Lee E. Role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of endometriosis in infertile women: Ovarian endometrioma, deep endometriosis, and superficial endometriosis. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2024;92:102450–102450. Quesada J, Härmä K, Reid S, Rao T, Lo G, Yang N, et al. Endometriosis: A multimodal imaging review. Eur J Radiol. 2023;158:110610–110610. Tomassetti C, Johnson NP, Petrozza J, Abrao MS, Einarsson JI, Horne AW, et al. An international terminology for endometriosis, 2021. Hum Reprod Open. 2021;2021(4):hoab029–hoab029. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Endometriosis: Clinical Practice Guideline. Melbourne: RANZCOG; 2021. Available from: https://ranzcog.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/Endometriosis-Clinical-Practice-Guideline.pdf. Leonardi M, Condous G. How to perform an ultrasound to diagnose endometriosis. Australas J Ultrasound Med. 2018;21(2):61–9. Baușic A, Coroleucă C, Coroleucă C, Comandașu D, Matasariu R, Manu A, et al. Transvaginal Ultrasound vs. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Value in Endometriosis Diagnosis. Diagnostics (Basel). 2022;12(7):1767. Condous G, Gerges B, Thomassin-Naggara I, Becker C, Tomassetti C, Krentel H, et al. Non-invasive imaging techniques for diagnosis of pelvic deep endometriosis and endometriosis classification systems: an International Consensus Statement. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2024;64(1):129–44. Vannuccini S, Petraglia F. Recent advances in understanding and managing adenomyosis [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]. F1000 Res. 2019;8:283. Collins BG, Ankola A, Gola S, McGillen KL. Transvaginal US of endometriosis: Looking beyond the endometrioma with a dedicated protocol. Radiographics. 2019;39(5):1549–68. Harmsen MJ, Van den Bosch T, Leeuw RA, Dueholm M, Exacoustos C, Valentin L, et al. Consensus on revised definitions of Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) features of adenomyosis: results of modified Delphi procedure. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2022;60(1):118–31. Liu L, Wong L, Mol B, Condous G, Costa F, Leonardi M. Diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of adenomyosis: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Med Biol. 2019;45:S54–S54. Wang PH, Yang ST, Chang WH, Liu CH, Lee FK, Lee WL. Endometriosis: Part I. Basic concept. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2022;61(6):927–34. Nisenblat V, Bossuyt PM, Farquhar C, Johnson N, Hull ML, Nisenblat V. Imaging modalities for the non- invasive diagnosis of endometriosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;2016(2):CD009591–CD009591. Orlov S, Jokubkiene L. Prevalence of endometriosis and adenomyosis at transvaginal ultrasound examination in symptomatic women. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2022;101(5):524–31. Guerriero S, Van Calster B, Somigliana E, Ajossa S, Froyman W, De Cock B, et al. Age-related differences in the sonographic characteristics of endometriomas. Hum Reprod (Oxford). 2016;31(8):1723–31. Bean E, Knez J, Setty T, Tetteh A, Casagrandi D, Naftalin J, et al. Natural history of endometriosis in pregnancy: ultrasound study of morphology of deep endometriosis and ovarian endometrioma. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2023;62(4):585–93. Robinson KA, Menias CO, Chen L, Schiappacasse G, Shaaban AM, Caserta MP, et al. Understanding malignant transformation of endometriosis: imaging features with pathologic correlation. Abdom Radiol (New York). 2020;45(6):1762–75. Testa AC, Timmerman D, Van Holsbeke C, Zannoni GF, Fransis S, Moerman P, et al. Ovarian cancer arising in endometrioid cysts: ultrasound findings. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2011;38(1):99–106. Hobeika E, Lekovich JP, Hutchinson AP, Pereira N, Abdullah R, Gahan CGM. Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Gynecologic Procedures prior to and during the Utilization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A Systematic Review. J Pathog. 2016;2016(2016):1–8. Strandell A. The influence of hydrosalpinx on IVF and embryo transfer: a review. Hum Reprod Update. 2000;6(4):387–95. Young SW, Jha P, Chamié L, Rodgers S, Kho RM, Horrow MM, et al. Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound Consensus on Routine Pelvic US for Endometriosis. Radiology. 2024;311(1):e232191. Cossi P, Schor E, Gonçalves LF, Werner H. Assessment of rectovaginal endometriosis using three-dimensional gel-infusion sonovaginography. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2019;53(4):558–60. Scioscia M, Scardapane A, Virgilio BA, Libera M, Lorusso F, Noventa M. Ultrasound of the uterosacral ligament, parametrium, and paracervix: Disagreement in terminology between imaging anatomy and modern gynecologic surgery. J Clin Med. 2021;10(3):1–11. Chapron C, Fauconnier A, Vieira M, Barakat H, Dousset B, Pansini V, et al. Anatomical distribution of deeply infiltrating endometriosis: surgical implications and proposition for a classification. Hum Reprod (Oxford). 2003;18(1):157–61. Freger SM, Turnbull V, McGowan K, Leonardi M. Prospective diagnostic test accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound posterior approach for uterosacral ligament and torus uterinus deep endometriosis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2024;63(2):263–70. Testini V, Eusebi L, Grechi G, Bartelli F, Guglielmi G. Imaging of Endometriosis: The Role of Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance. Curr Radiol Rep (Philadelphia, PA). 2022;10(3):21–39. Moawad NS, Caplin A. Diagnosis, management, and long-term outcomes of rectovaginal endometriosis. Int J Women’s Health. 2013;5(1):753–63. Kruse C, Seyer-Hansen M, Forman A. Diagnosis and treatment of rectovaginal endometriosis: an overview. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2012;91(6):648–57. Guerriero S, Ajossa S, Minguez JA, Jurado M, Mais V, Melis GB, et al. Accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound for diagnosis of deep endometriosis in uterosacral ligaments, rectovaginal septum, vagina and bladder: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2015;46(5):534–45. Payá V, Hidalgo-Mora JJ, Diaz-Garcia C, Pellicer A. Surgical treatment of rectovaginal endometriosis with rectal involvement. Gynecol Surg. 2011;8(3):269–77. Vercellini P, Parazzini F, Pietropaolo G, Cipriani S, Frattaruolo M, Fedele L. Pregnancy outcome in women with peritoneal, ovarian and rectovaginal endometriosis: a retrospective cohort study. BJOG : An Int J Obstet Gynaecol. 2012;119(12):1538–43. Donnez J, Nisolle M, Smoes P, Gillet N, Beguin S, Casanas-Roux F. Peritoneal endometriosis and “endometriotic” nodules of the rectovaginal septum are two different entities. Fertil Steril. 1996;66(3):362–8. Fedele L, Bianchi S, Portuese A, Borruto F, Dorta M. Transrectal ultrasonography in the assessment of rectovaginal endometriosis. Obstet Gynecol (New York 1953). 1998;91(3):444–8. Donnez J, Pirard C, Smets M, Jadoul P, Squifflet J. Surgical management of endometriosis. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2004;18(2):329–48. Khatri GD, Basavalingu D, Chaubal N, Dighe M. Rectal endometriosis imaging: A case based pictorial essay. WFUMB Ultrasound Open. 2023;1(1):100002. Piachas A, Smyrnis P, Tooulias A. Rectosigmoid endometriosis: Diagnostic pitfalls and management – A case report. Clin Case Rep. 2022;10(2):e05222-n/a. Guerriero S, Ajossa S, Orozco R, Perniciano M, Jurado M, Melis GB, et al. Accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound for diagnosis of deep endometriosis in the rectosigmoid: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2016;47(3):281–9. Gerges B, Li W, Leonardi M, Mol BW, Condous G. Optimal imaging modality for detection of rectosigmoid deep endometriosis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2021;58(2):190–200. da Goncalves MOC, Podgaec S, Dias JA, Gonzalez M, Abrao MS. Transvaginal ultrasonography with bowel preparation is able to predict the number of lesions and rectosigmoid layers affected in cases of deep endometriosis, defining surgical strategy. Hum Reprod (Oxford). 2010;25(3):665–71. Aas-Eng MK, Lieng M, Dauser B, Diep LM, Leonardi M, Condous G, et al. Transvaginal sonography determines accurately extent of infiltration of rectosigmoid deep endometriosis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2021;58(6):933–9. Aas-Eng MK, Dauser B, Lieng M, Diep LM, Leonardi M, Condous G, et al. Transvaginal sonography accurately measures lesion-to-anal-verge distance in women with deep endometriosis of the rectosigmoid. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2020;56(5):766–72. Maicas G, Leonardi M, Avery J, Panuccio C, Carneiro G, Hull ML, et al. Deep learning to diagnose pouch of Douglas obliteration with ultrasound sliding sign. Reprod Fertil. 2021;2(4):236–43. Kataoka ML, Togashi K, Yamaoka T, Koyama T, Ueda H, Kobayashi H, et al. Posterior cul-de-sac obliteration associated with endometriosis: MR imaging evaluation. Radiology. 2005;234(3):815–23. Redwine DB. Treatment of Endometriosis of the Cul-de-Sac. In: Endometriosis. United States: Springer New York; 1995. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-8404-5_12. Reid S, Lu C, Casikar I, Reid G, Abbott J, Cario G, et al. Prediction of pouch of Douglas obliteration in women with suspected endometriosis using a new real-time dynamic transvaginal ultrasound technique: the sliding sign. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2013;41(6):685–91. Leonardi M, Martins WP, Espada M, Georgousopoulou E, Condous G. Prevalence of negative sliding sign representing pouch of Douglas obliteration during pelvic transvaginal ultrasound for any indication. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2020;56(6):928–33. Leonardi M, Reid S, Lu C, Condous G. Prevalence of Deep Endometriosis and Rectouterine Pouch Obliteration in the Presence of Normal Ovaries. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2020;42(10):1211–6. Mick I, Marien M, Leonardi M. ‘Triangle sign’: novel and needed supplement to sliding sign for evaluation of obliterated cul-de-sac in patients with retroverted uterus. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2024;63(5):702–3. Guerriero S, Martinez L, Gomez I, Pascual MA, Ajossa S, Pagliuca M, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal sonography for detecting parametrial involvement in women with deep endometriosis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2021;58(5):669–76. Ballester M, Santulli P, Bazot M, Coutant C, Rouzier R, Daraï E. Preoperative Evaluation of Posterior Deep-Infiltrating Endometriosis Demonstrates a Relationship with Urinary Dysfunction and Parametrial Involvement. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2011;18(1):36–42. Darwish B, Roman H. Nerve Sparing and Surgery for Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: Pessimism of the Intellect or Optimism of the Will. Semin Reprod Med. 2017;35(1):072–80. Volpi E, Ferrero A, Sismondi P. Laparoscopic identification of pelvic nerves in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis. Surg Endosc. 2004;18(7):1109–12. Possover M, Quakernack J, Chiantera V. The LANN Technique to Reduce Postoperative Functional Morbidity in Laparoscopic Radical Pelvic Surgery. J Am Coll Surg. 2005;201(6):913–7. Ferrero S, Leone Roberti Maggiore U, Racca A, Remorgida V. Neuropelveology. In: Mettler L, Alkatout I, Keckstein J, Meinhold-Heerlein I, editors. Endometriosis: A Concise Practical Guide to Current Diagnosis and Treatment. Tuttlingen: Endo Press GmbH; 2017. pp. 332–45. Querleu D, Bizzarri N, Fanfani F, Fagotti A, Scambia G. Simplified anatomical nomenclature of lateral female pelvic spaces. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2022;32(9):1183–8. Querleu D, Fanfani F, Fagotti A, Bizzarri N, Scambia G. What is paracervical lymphadenectomy? Gynecol Oncol Rep. 2021;38:100891–100891. Ercoli A, Delmas V, Fanfani F, Gadonneix P, Ceccaroni M, Fagotti A, et al. Terminologia Anatomica versus unofficial descriptions and nomenclature of the fasciae and ligaments of the female pelvis: A dissection- based comparative study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2005;193(4):1565–73. Querleu D, Morrow CP. Classification of radical hysterectomy. Lancet Oncol. 2008;9(3):297–303. Querleu D, Cibula D, Abu-Rustum NR. 2017 Update on the Querleu-Morrow Classification of Radical Hysterectomy. Ann Surg Oncol. 2017;24(11):3406–12. Guerriero S, Condous G, Rolla M, Hudelist G, Ferrero S, Alcazar JL, et al. Addendum to consensus opinion from International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) group: sonographic evaluation of the parametrium. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2024;64(2):275–80. Ceccaroni M, Zorzi C, Albanese M, Clarizia R, Stepniewska AK, Roviglione G, et al. Why to Use an Old Map to Explore a New World? The Time for Considering an Ultrasonographic Parametrial Topography Has Come. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2023;30(4):271–6. Min N, Keizerswaard J, Visser RH, Burger NB, Rake JWT, Aarts JWM, et al. Prediction of vesicouterine adhesions by transvaginal sonographic sliding sign technique: validation study. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2025;65(1):114–21. Mariani LL, Mancarella M, Novara L, Biglia N. Sonographic features of endometriosis infiltrating the lateral parametrium. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod. 2021;50(7):102116–102116. Bazot M, Delaveau MC, Daraï E, Bendifallah S. Value of sonography in assessing parametrial endometriotic involvement: Preliminary results. J Endometriosis Pelvic Pain Disord. 2021;13(1):58–65. Exacoustos C, Malzoni M, Di Giovanni A, Lazzeri L, Tosti C, Petraglia F, et al. Ultrasound mapping system for the surgical management of deep infiltrating endometriosis. Fertil Steril. 2014;102(1):143-150.e2. Leonardi M, Martins WP, Espada M, Arianayagam M, Condous G. Proposed technique to visualize and classify uterosacral ligament deep endometriosis with and without infiltration into parametrium or torus uterinus. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2020;55(1):137–9. Szabó G, Madár I, Hudelist G, Arányi Z, Turtóczki K, Rigó J, et al. Visualization of sacral nerve roots and sacral plexus on gynecological transvaginal ultrasound: feasibility study. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2023;62(2):290–9. Leonardi M, Espada M, Kho RM, Magrina JF, Millischer AE, Savelli L, et al. Endometriosis and the urinary tract: From diagnosis to surgical treatment. Diagnostics (Basel). 2020;10(10):771. Knabben L, Imboden S, Fellmann B, Nirgianakis K, Kuhn A, Mueller MD. Urinary tract endometriosis in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis: prevalence, symptoms, management, and proposal for a new clinical classification. Fertil Steril. 2015;103(1):147–52. Gabriel B, Nassif J, Trompoukis P, Barata S, Wattiez A. Prevalence and Management of Urinary Tract Endometriosis: A Clinical Case Series. Urology (Ridgewood, NJ). 2011;78(6):1269–74. Gerges B, Li W, Leonardi M, Mol BW, Condous G. Meta-analysis and systematic review to determine the optimal imaging modality for the detection of bladder deep endometriosis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2021;261:124–33. Exacoustos C, Zupi E, Piccione E. Ultrasound Imaging for Ovarian and Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis. Semin Reprodu Med. 2017;35(1):005–24. Ong J, Leonardi M, Espada M, Stamatopoulos N, Georgousopoulou E, Condous G. Ureter Visualization With Transvaginal Ultrasound: A Learning Curve Study. J Ultrasound Med. 2020;39(12):2365–72. Tomassetti C, Johnson NP, Petrozza J, Abrao MS, Einarsson JI, Horne AW, et al. An International Terminology for Endometriosis, 2021. Facts, Views Vision ObGyn. 2021;13(4):295–304. Horne A, Daniels J, Hummelshoj L, Cox E, Cooper K. Surgical removal of superficial peritoneal endometriosis for managing women with chronic pelvic pain: time for a rethink? BJOG : An Int J Obstet Gynaecol. 2019;126(12):1414–6. Reis FM, Santulli P, Marcellin L, Borghese B, Lafay-Pillet MC, Chapron C. Superficial Peritoneal Endometriosis: Clinical Characteristics of 203 Confirmed Cases and 1292 Endometriosis-Free Controls. Reprod Sci (Thousand Oaks, Calif). 2020;27(1):309–15. Koninckx PR, Ussia A, Adamyan L, Tahlak M, Keckstein J, Wattiez A, et al. The epidemiology of endometriosis is poorly known as the pathophysiology and diagnosis are unclear. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2021;71:14–26. Hirsch M, Dhillon-Smith R, Cutner AS, Yap M, Creighton SM. The Prevalence of Endometriosis in Adolescents with Pelvic Pain: A Systematic Review. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2020;33(6):623–30. Zondervan KT, Becker CM, Koga K, Missmer SA, Taylor RN, Viganò P. Endometriosis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2018;4(1):9–9. Khan KN, Kitajima M, Hiraki K, Fujishita A, Nakashima M, Masuzaki H. Visible and occult microscopic lesions of endometriosis. Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther. 2014;3(4):109–14. Leonardi M, Robledo KP, Espada M, Vanza K, Condous G. SonoPODography: A new diagnostic technique for visualizing superficial endometriosis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2020;254:124–31. Meuleman C, Vandenabeele B, Fieuws S, Spiessens C, Timmerman D, D’Hooghe T. High prevalence of endometriosis in infertile women with normal ovulation and normospermic partners. Fertil Steril. 2009;92(1):68–74. Pedrassani M, Guerriero S, Pascual MÁ, Ajossa S, Graupera B, Pagliuca M, et al. Superficial Endometriosis at Ultrasound Examination—A Diagnostic Criteria Proposal. Diagnostics (Basel). 2023;13(11):1876. Freger SM, Leonardi M. Advancements in ultrasound diagnosis of superficial endometriosis: current challenges and emerging techniques. Gynecol Obstet Invest. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1159/000543075. Leonardi M, Espada M, Choi S, Chou D, Chang T, Smith C, et al. Transvaginal Ultrasound Can Accurately Predict the American Society of Reproductive Medicine Stage of Endometriosis Assigned at Laparoscopy. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2020;27(7):1581-1587.e1. Canis M, Donnez JG, Guzick DS, Halme JK, Rock JA, Schenken RS, et al. Revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification of endometriosis: 1996. Fertil Steril. 1997;67(5):817–21. Reid S, Leonardi M, Lu C, Condous G. The association between ultrasound-based ‘soft markers’ and endometriosis type/location: A prospective observational study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2019;234:171–8. Okaro E, Condous G, Khalid A, Timmerman D, Ameye L, Huffel SV, et al. Gynaecological surgery: The use of ultrasound-based “soft markers” for the prediction of pelvic pathology in women with chronic pelvic pain–can we reduce the need for laparoscopy? BJOG : An Int J Obstet Gynaecol. 2006;113(3):251–6. Guerriero S, Ajossa S, Garau N, Alcazar JL, Mais V, Melis GB. Diagnosis of pelvic adhesions in patients with endometrioma: the role of transvaginal ultrasonography. Fertil Steril. 2010;94(2):742–6. Menakaya U, Reid S, Lu C, Bassem G, Infante F, Condous G. Performance of ultrasound-based endometriosis staging system (UBESS) for predicting level of complexity of laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2016;48(6):786–95. Reid S, Lu C, Condous G. Can we improve the prediction of pouch of Douglas obliteration in women with suspected endometriosis using ultrasound-based models? A multicenter prospective observational study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2015;94(12):1297–306. Marasinghe JP, Senanayake H, Saravanabhava N, Arambepola C, Condous G, Greenwood P. History, pelvic examination findings and mobility of ovaries as a sonographic marker to detect pelvic adhesions with fixed ovaries. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2014;40(3):785–90. Gerges B, Lu C, Reid S, Chou D, Chang T, Condous G. Sonographic evaluation of immobility of normal and endometriotic ovary in detection of deep endometriosis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2017;49(6):793–8. Guerriero S, Ajossa S, Lai MP, Mais V, Paoletti AM, Melis GB. Transvaginal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of pelvic adhesions. Hum Reprod (Oxford). 1997;12(12):2649–53. Guerriero S, Ajossa S, Gerada M, D’Aquila M, Piras B, Melis GB. “Tenderness-guided” transvaginal ultrasonography: a new method for the detection of deep endometriosis in patients with chronic pelvic pain. Fertil Steril. 2007;88(5):1293–7. Saba L, Guerriero S, Sulcis R, Pilloni M, Ajossa S, Melis G, et al. MRI and “Tenderness Guided” transvaginal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of recto-sigmoid endometriosis. J Magn Reson Imaging. 2012;35(2):352–60. Yong PJ, Sutton C, Suen M, Williams C. Endovaginal ultrasound-assisted pain mapping in endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2013;33(7):715–9. Author information Authors and Affiliations Contributions R.S. wrote the original draft of the manuscript. All authors (R.S., S.A. and M.L.) contributed to review and editing of the final manuscript. R.S. and S.A. created the figures and illustrations. M.L. was responsible for supervision of the project. Corresponding author Ethics declarations Competing interests Mathew Leonardi reports grants from Australian MRFF, AbbVie, AIMA/SOPHIE, CanSAGE, CIHR, Endometriosis Australia, Hamilton Health Sciences, Health Canada, Hyivy/MITACS/SOPHIE, Medical Research Future Fund/Imagendo, Myant Inc/MITACS, GE HealthCare/MITACS, and Pfizer; honoraria for lectures/writing from AIUM, AbbVie, Bayer, Canon, GE Healthcare, Pfizer, Samsung, TerSera; consultancy work with AbbVie, Chugai, Gesynta, Hologic, Imagendo, Pfizer, and Roche Diagnostics; and affiliations with SUGO (Specialized Ultrasound in Gynecology & Obstetrics) and Endometriosis360. He holds leadership roles in the World Endometriosis Society Early Career Board, ISUOG Next Generation, and the Gynecologic Ultrasound Society, all outside the submitted work. Human and Animal Rights This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors. Additional information Publisher's Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Rights and permissions Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law. About this article Cite this article Shetty, R., Aharoni, S. & Leonardi, M. The Role of Ultrasound in the Evolving Landscape of Precision Imaging of Endometriosis. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep 14, 19 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13669-025-00424-2 Accepted: Published: Version of record: DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13669-025-00424-2

Text is read by the "Ask this paper" AI Q&A widget below. Extraction quality varies by source — PMC NXML preserves structure cleanly, OA-HTML may include some navigation residue, and OA-PDF can have broken hyphenation. The publisher copy (via DOI) is the canonical version.

My notes (saved in your browser only)

Ask this paper AI returns verbatim quotes from the full text · source: oa-doi-fallback

Answers must be backed by verbatim quotes from this paper's full text. Hallucinated quotes are dropped automatically; if no verbatim passage answers the question, we say so. How this works

Outcome instruments

MUSA

Condition tags

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.

References (100)

Source provenance

openalex
last seen: 2026-06-10T17:14:06.276822+00:00
License: CC0 · commercial use OK