Sonographic features analysis of abdominal wall endometriosis

Objective To describe the sonographic features of abdominal wall endometriosis(AWE).Methods 105 consecutive women with proven pathological endometriosis of the abdominal wall were retrospectively recruited.The clinical data and the result of the sonographic examinations were reviewed and described.The AWE lesions were divided into ＜3 cm and ≥3 cm groups according to their maximum diameter.Results The sonographic feature of AWE includes irregular hypoechoic nodules with ill-defined margins,anechoic and hyperechoic ring maybe exist.In color Doppler,most of them showed few internal vascularity.Compared with≥3 cm group,＜3 cm group nodules manifested as shorter latent period,with more superficial location,round or oval shape,peripheral hyperechoic ring and none or few vascularity were more common.As for ≥3 cm group nodules manifested as longer latent period,with deeper location,irregular shape,abundant of vascularity were more common.Conclusions Specific diagnosis of AWE can be made by using high frequency sonography combined with clinical features.More accurate information can be provided by judging the size,range and infiltrative depth. Key words: Ultrasonography ;  Endometriosis ;  Abdominal wall