Diagnosis of endometriosis: pelvic endoscopy and imaging techniques.

Diagnosis of endometriosis: pelvic endoscopy and imaging techniques.

MedLine Citation:	PMID: 15157643 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE
Abstract/OtherAbstract:	Although laparoscopy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of endometriosis, the need for this invasive diagnostic tool is a major stumbling-block in both effective clinical management and for research into this common and debilitating disease. As visual inspection of the pelvis has also major limitations, particularly for the diagnosis of posterior pelvis, bowel and bladder endometriosis, it is not surprising that considerable efforts are being made to improve the diagnosis by imaging techniques. Peritoneal endometriosis and ovarian endometriomata are predominantly haemorrhagic lesions. During laparoscopy, these lesions are readily identified by the presence of old or recent bleeding. Both transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have a low sensitivity for the diagnosis of peritoneal and ovarian implants and adhesions. Transvaginal sonography is useful in the diagnosis of ovarian endometriomata, providing the diameter is larger than 2 cm. As transvaginal sonography costs less than MR imaging, transvaginal sonography might be the preferred method of confirming a sizeable endometrioma. Posterior pelvis endometriosis is an infiltrating adenomyotic lesion with microendometriomata. High-resolution transvaginal ultrasonography, and in particular MR imaging, are increasingly used to diagnose the presence and extent of infiltrating lesions and the involvement of rectosigmoid and ureters.

Authors:	Ivo Brosens; Patrick Puttemans; Rudi Campo; Stephan Gordts; Karen Kinkel
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Publication Detail:	Type: Journal Article; Review
Journal Detail:	Title: Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology Volume: 18 ISSN: 1521-6934 ISO Abbreviation: Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol Publication Date: 2004 Apr
Date Detail:	Created Date: 2004-05-25 Completed Date: 2006-12-22 Revised Date: -
Medline Journal Info:	Nlm Unique ID: 101121582 Medline TA: Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol Country: England
Other Details:	Languages: eng Pagination: 285-303 Citation Subset: IM
Affiliation:	Leuven Institute for Fertility and Embryology, Tiensevest 168, Leuven B-3000, Belgium. ivo.brosens@med.kuleuven.ac.be
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:	Endometriosis / diagnosis, ultrasonography Female Humans Intestinal Diseases / diagnosis Laparoscopy Magnetic Resonance Imaging Ovarian Diseases / diagnosis, ultrasonography Severity of Illness Index Urologic Diseases / diagnosis

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