Aims and objectives
Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma at extrauterine sites throughout the pelvis and beyond.Lesions are typically located in the pelvis but can occur at multiple sites including the bowel,
diaphragm,
and pleural cavity.
While endometriosis is a common and nonmalignant process,
ectopic endometrial tissue and resultant inflammation can cause dysmenorrhea,
dyspareunia,
chronic pain,
and infertility.
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent,
benign,
inflammatory disease that affects women during their premenarcheal,
reproductive,
and postmenopausal hormonal stages.
Endometriotic lesions in the pelvis can be...
Methods and materials
A retrospective study was performed (from 2009 to 2016),
which included 29 patients with echographic diagnosis of DIE.
The findings were confirmed by surgery,
histopathology and / or MRI.
The ultrasound findings assessed were the following:
Endometriotic foci morphology: nodular,
laminar (plaque-like),
pseudonodular with tails at their ends.
Margins: smooth,
microlobulated or spiculated.
Echo pattern: hypoechoic,
hyperechoic or mixed content.
Anatomic location: bowel endometriosis or anterior,
middle or posterior compartment of the pelvis.The contents of the anterior compartment of the pelvis include the urinary bladder,...
Results
Abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound were performed in 18 patients,
whileabdominal ultrasound alone was performed in the remaining11 patients.
In most of them (27 cases) MRI was also performed.
The findings were confirmed by surgery and histopathology in 26 patients.
The remaining 3 had compatible findings on MRI.
A total of 44 endometriotic fociin different pelvic locations were identified (bladder,
ureter,
ovaries,
uterus,
rectovaginal septum,
retrocervical area,
rectovaginal pouch and bowel endometriosis).
The most frequent location was the posterior compartment of the pelvis: bowel endometriosis of...
Conclusion
Abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound are usually the first imaging tests in the assessment of DIE.
They are useful tools in the detection and especially,
in the characterization of DIE presenting high correlation with the MRI findings.
Bowel endometriosis is one of the most severe forms of DIE.
The recognition of these findings and the ultrasound appearance facilitates the orientation and management of these patients.
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