Peritoneal Endometriosis

In: Imaging of Endometriosis: A Comparative Guide of US, MRI and Surgery · 2025 · pp. 23–40 · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-82750-1_2 · W4410875648
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This review discusses the diagnostic contributions of ultrasound and MRI for peritoneal endometriosis, detailing their ability to detect subtle signs and their role in management, particularly in young women.

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The paper reviews how ultrasound and MRI contribute to diagnosing peritoneal (including superficial/minimal) endometriosis, focusing on the challenge posed by very small, heterogeneous lesions often under 5 mm. It highlights that in skilled hands, soft or indirect signs can be useful, while pathognomonic findings are not always present and nonspecific markers may suggest disease; ultrasound is described as offering high spatial resolution with specific evaluation markers (e.g., sliding test and tenderness signs), with MRI used as a second-line (or first-line when transvaginal ultrasound is not feasible). A major caveat is that diagnostic interpretation often relies on indirect signs and operator expertise, limiting the consistency of finding disease-specific pathology on imaging. This paper is centrally about endometriosis — it specifically addresses imaging for peritoneal endometriosis and related diagnostic difficulties.

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Abstract

Laparoscopic surgery has long been the gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis. In recent years, however, imaging (ultrasound and MRI) has been recognised for its excellent diagnostic value in deep or ovarian endometriosis. Superficial endometriosis is a real challenge for clinicians. This is due to the size of the lesions, often smaller than 5 mm, and the heterogeneity of the lesions from an anatomical and pathological perspective. Understanding these factors is essential to better address the diagnostic challenges of imaging. In this chapter, we will review the contributions of imaging to peritoneal endometriosis, which is often considered to have little or no efficacy. However, many soft or indirect signs can indicate peritoneal or minimal endometriosis in skilled hands. Ultrasound is an excellent examination, providing very good spatial resolution and the ability to evaluate subtle markers such as the sliding test and specific tenderness signs. MRI is performed as a second-line option, or it is performed as a first-line option if transvaginal ultrasound is not feasible. Pathognomonic signs are not always present, and in most cases, nonspecific signs can suggest the diagnosis. We will also discuss the prevalence of this condition and try to understand its impact on painful symptoms or infertility. Particular attention will be paid to endometriosis in young women. With these elements in mind, we will consider the role of imaging in therapeutic management. Access this chapter Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout Purchases are for personal use only Similar content being viewed by others

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Lancet. 2004;364(9447):1800. Epub 2004/11/16. Author information Authors and Affiliations Corresponding author Editor information Editors and Affiliations Rights and permissions Copyright information © 2025 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG About this chapter Cite this chapter Zareski, E., Paternostre, A., Fauconnier, A. (2025). Peritoneal Endometriosis. In: Thomassin-Naggara, I. (eds) Imaging of Endometriosis: A Comparative Guide of US, MRI and Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-82750-1_2 Download citation DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-82750-1_2 Published: Publisher Name: Springer, Cham Print ISBN: 978-3-031-82749-5 Online ISBN: 978-3-031-82750-1 eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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