Diagnosing endometriosis before laparoscopy: radiologic tools to evaluate the disease

Jovana Tavcar, J. Tavcar, Megan Loring, Peter Movilla, Peter R Movilla, Nisse V Clark
Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology · 2020 · vol. 32(4) , pp. 292–297 · doi:10.1097/gco.0000000000000638 · PMID:32398583 · W3024925672
review OA: closed CC0 ⤵ 9 in-corpus citations
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⚙ AI-generated summary by claude@2026-06, 2026-06-07 ⓘ

This review presents evidence on advanced transvaginal ultrasound and MRI techniques for improved clinical diagnosis and preoperative mapping of endometriosis, reducing reliance on laparoscopy.

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Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The current gold standard for diagnosing endometriosis is laparoscopy with tissue biopsy. This review presents new evidence regarding advanced imaging for more optimal clinical assessment and preoperative evaluation for endometriosis. RECENT FINDINGS: A systematic approach to the imaging evaluation of endometriosis using transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging has been proposed by expert groups and societies. Evidence suggests that new imaging techniques improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and facilitate improved preoperative mapping of endometriotic lesions. SUMMARY: The clinical diagnosis of endometriosis, including new structured imaging protocols and techniques, is paramount in an initial evaluation. If surgery is indicated, clinical examination and imaging should provide sufficient information to anticipate the extent of surgery, properly counsel the patient, and when appropriate, refer to a minimally invasive gynecologic surgery specialist or assemble a multidisciplinary team.

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Condition tags

mesh:D004715endometriosis

MeSH descriptors

Endometriosis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physical Examination Ultrasonography Endometriosis Female Humans Laparoscopy Laparoscopy Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physical Examination Preoperative Care Ultrasonography

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 (53)

Cited by (10)

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