EP31.03: Is it possible identify superficial endometriosis using transvaginal ultrasonography?

The actual prevalence of superficial endometriosis is not known. However, it is considered as the most common subtype of endometriosis. The diagnosis of superficial endometriosis remains difficult. In fact, little is known about the ultrasound features of superficial endometriotic lesions. The aim of the study was to define the sonographic morphological description of superficial endometriosis. This is a prospective study in a series of 52 women with clinical suspicion of pelvic endometriosis who underwent preoperative transvaginal ultrasound and had a conformed diagnosis of superficial endometriosis at laparoscopy. Women with ultrasound or laparoscopic findings of deep endometriosis were not included. We observed 68 superficial endometriotic lesions. These lesions may appear as a solitary lesion, multiple lesions apart and cluster lesions (either linear or with honeycomb appearance). The lesions may exhibit the presence of hypoechogenic associated tissue, presence of hyperechoic foci and/or velamentous (filmy) adhesions. The lesion may be convex, protruding from the peritoneal surface (bulging) or it may appear as a concave defect (pocket) in the peritoneum, with 1-5 mm maximum diameter. Out of the 68 lesions analysed, 34 (50%) appeared as honeycomb cluster bulging or pocket lesions, eighteen (26.5%) appeared as multiple bulging or pocket lesions, ten (14.7%) appeared as linear cluster pocket lesions and six (8.8%) appeared as solitary bulging or pocket lesions. We conclude that transvaginal may be useful for diagnosing superficial endometriosis. These lesions may exhibit different ultrasound features. This preliminary study should be useful in multicentre studies and in clinical practice. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.