Soft Marker Evaluation

In: How to Perform Ultrasonography in Endometriosis · 2018 · pp. 57–61 · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-71138-6_6 · W2897257560
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Transvaginal sonography soft markers, including ovarian immobility and site-specific tenderness, are utilized to predict pelvic adhesions and endometriosis, aiding surgical planning and patient counseling.

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This paper/chapter describes the evaluation of pelvic pathology using transvaginal sonography (TVS) “soft markers,” focusing on ovarian immobility and site-specific tenderness (SST) as ultrasound features that may predict pelvic adhesions and endometriosis at laparoscopy. It summarizes prior evidence that ovarian immobility is significantly associated with endometrioma and with pouch of Douglas (POD) obliteration and posterior compartment deep infiltrating endometriosis, and that SST appears useful for predicting endometriotic disease at laparoscopy. A stated caveat is that the discussion is based on relationships demonstrated in earlier studies and a consensus framework for suspected deep infiltrating endometriosis rather than presenting new patient outcomes. Relevance to endometriosis: the chapter is explicitly about endometriosis-focused TVS “soft markers” in suspected deep infiltrating endometriosis (including ovarian immobility and SST) and how they relate to laparoscopic findings.

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Abstract

Transvaginal sonography (TVS) soft markers for the prediction of pelvic adhesions/endometriosis at laparoscopy include ovarian immobility and site-specific tenderness (SST). In a recent consensus statement by the ‘International Deep Endometriosis Analysis’ group, TVS soft markers are included as a component of the ultrasound evaluation of women with suspected pelvic deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Studies have demonstrated a significant relationship between ovarian immobility and the presence endometrioma, pouch of Douglas (POD) obliteration and posterior compartment DIE, at both TVS and laparoscopy. SST also appears to be useful in the prediction of endometriotic disease at laparoscopy. The use of these TVS soft markers for women with pelvic pain may improve the ability to plan for complex endometriosis surgery and for patient counselling, thereby improving the overall management for these women. Access this chapter Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout Purchases are for personal use only Similar content being viewed by others

References

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Author information Authors and Affiliations Editor information Editors and Affiliations 6.1 Electronic Supplementary Material Transvaginal ultrasound is used to demonstrate a mobile right ovary (RO) along the right pelvic sidewall (RPSW) in the transverse plane. EIV external iliac vessel (MP4 9977 kb) Transvaginal ultrasound is used to demonstrate ovarian (O) mobility along the lateral uterus (U), as well as the right pelvic sidewall (PSW), in the transverse plane (MP4 17,600 kb) Transvaginal ultrasound is used to demonstrate fixation of the left ovary (LO) to both the posterior uterus (U) and left pelvic sidewall (LPSW), in the sagittal plane (MP4 7486 kb) Transvaginal ultrasound is used to demonstrate fixation between the left ovary (O) and the posterior uterine cervix (C), in the sagittal plane (MP4 3290 kb) Rights and permissions Copyright information © 2018 Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature About this chapter Cite this chapter Reid, S. (2018). Soft Marker Evaluation. In: Guerriero, S., Condous, G., Alcázar, J.L. (eds) How to Perform Ultrasonography in Endometriosis. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71138-6_6 Download citation DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71138-6_6 Published: Publisher Name: Springer, Cham Print ISBN: 978-3-319-71137-9 Online ISBN: 978-3-319-71138-6 eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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