Endometriosis: clinical features, MR imaging findings and pathologic correlation

Fusion 3D T1/T2 MRI for diagnosing pelvic deep infiltrating endometriosis: a non-inferiority study

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an essential non-invasive technique for diagnosing deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Published studies have explored the value of high-resolution fat-suppressed 3D T1-weighted (T1w) and 3D T2-weighted (T2w) MRI in this topic. However, research on the fusion of these sequences in a merged 'PET-scanner-like' multiplanar reconstruction (Fusion 3D T1/T2) is still lacking. Our primary objective was to assess whether the diagnostic accuracy of Fusion 3D T1/T2 was non-inferior to the state-of-the-art MRI protocol for diagnosing DIE. This standard protocol consists of 2D T2w images in various planes and axial T1w images displayed on a four-window screen (STANDARD). The non-inferiority margin was set at 2.5 %. Fifty-nine pelvic MRI examinations for suspected endometriosis were interpreted independently by two radiologists with different experience levels (R#1 and R#2), randomly with both protocols. Results were compared with a consensus opinion from an expert panel. Interpretation time and inter-reader agreement were also evaluated. Using the Fusion 3D T1/T2 protocol, R#1's diagnostic accuracy for DIE was 94.74% (95%CI: 92.48-96.47) and R#2's was 98.68% (95%CI: 97.31-99.47), both of which were non-inferior to the STANDARD protocol (R#1, 92.48%, 95%CI: 89.90-94.57; R#2, 96.43%, 95%CI: 94.48-97.84). The Fusion 3D T1/T2 protocol reduced interpretation time by 24.5 % (P < 0.001) compared to the STANDARD. Additionally, it improved inter-reader reproducibility, with a moderate level of agreement (kappa = 0.72; 95 % CI: 0.63-0.81), compared to the slight agreement (kappa = 0.47; 95 % CI: 0.34-0.59) observed with the STANDARD protocol. In conclusion, Fusion 3D T1/T2 demonstrated non-inferior diagnostic accuracy compared to the current MRI standard protocol. It also improved reproducibility and reduced interpretation time, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool for diagnosing pelvic DIE.

Quinagolide vaginal ring for reduction of endometriotic lesions: Results from the QLARITY trial

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the effectiveness of quinagolide vaginal ring on reducing total lesion size in endometrioma, deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), and adenomyosis, as assessed using high-resolution MRI and imaging biomarkers.

METHODS

QLARITY was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. Patients aged 18-45 years with endometrioma, DIE, and/or adenomyosis were randomized to quinagolide or placebo and monitored for four menstrual cycles. The primary endpoint was reduction in total lesion size. Secondary endpoints were pain reduction, changes in prolactin, changes in menstrual cycle, bleeding patterns, and safety. Exploratory analyses identified MRI-derived perfusion and diffusion-weighted imaging biomarkers.

RESULTS

Of the 67 included subjects, 35 received quinagolide vaginal ring and 32 received placebo. No significant differences were noted between groups for the primary endpoint of reduction in lesion size. No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of patient-reported outcomes, serum prolactin levels, menstrual bleeding patterns, or adverse events. Exploratory analyses suggested lesions in the placebo group showed a greater increase in vascular permeability and worsening lesion structure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our primary analysis showed no significant difference between treatment groups in terms of change in total lesion size. Many patients in this study presented with advanced disease, which may be less responsive to quinagolide than highly vascularized superficial lesions, as quinagolide inhibits the VEGF signaling pathway.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03749109.

Object Detection in Laparoscopic Surgery: A Comparative Study of Deep Learning Models on a Custom Endometriosis Dataset

Background: Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis presents unique challenges due to the complexity of and variability in lesion appearances within the abdominal cavity. This study investigates the application of deep learning models for object detection in laparoscopic videos, aiming to assist surgeons in accurately identifying and localizing endometriosis lesions and related anatomical structures. A custom dataset was curated, comprising of 199 video sequences and 205,725 frames. Of these, 17,560 frames were meticulously annotated by medical professionals. The dataset includes object detection annotations for 10 object classes relevant to endometriosis, alongside segmentation masks for some classes. Methods: To address the object detection task, we evaluated the performance of two deep learning models-FasterRCNN and YOLOv9-under both stratified and non-stratified training scenarios. Results: The experimental results demonstrated that stratified training significantly reduced the risk of data leakage and improved model generalization. The best-performing FasterRCNN object detection model achieved a high average test precision of 0.9811 ± 0.0084, recall of 0.7083 ± 0.0807, and mAP50 (mean average precision at 50% overlap) of 0.8185 ± 0.0562 across all presented classes. Despite these successes, the study also highlights the challenges posed by the weak annotations and class imbalances in the dataset, which impacted overall model performances. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the application of deep learning for enhancing laparoscopic surgical precision in endometriosis treatment. The findings underscore the importance of robust dataset curation and advanced training strategies in developing reliable AI-assisted tools for surgical interventions. The latter could potentially improve the guidance of surgical interventions and prevent blind spots occurring in difficult to reach abdominal regions. Future work will focus on refining the dataset and exploring more sophisticated model architectures to further improve detection accuracy.

A "novel" MRI sequence for improving conspicuity and detection of hemorrhagic foci in pelvic endometriosis: Technical note

There is a growing need to develop new MRI sequences to identify and characterize hemorrhagic foci within endometriosis lesions. These foci are pivotal, as they represent a significant component of the disease's pathophysiology and have been associated with increased inflammation and angiogenesis. However, their detection within a dense, mixed background of fibrotic tissue is challenging using conventional T1W sequences, even with fat suppression. In this technical report, we propose a T1W 3D-FSE sequence specifically optimized to enhance the detection of hemorrhagic foci in endometriosis. Future clinical validation holds promise for increasing MRI accuracy, ultimately impacting patient management, outcomes, and quality of life.

Postpartum Thoracic Endometriosis: A Case Report

Thoracic endometriosis is a rare disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue within the thoracic cavity. Diagnostic findings, symptom presentations, and treatment methods have varied in defining thoracic endometriosis. Most criteria, however, require spontaneous pneumothorax within 72 hours of menses as the sine qua non for this diagnosis. This report describes a case of spontaneous pneumothorax from thoracic endometriosis in a postpartum female, a unique presentation not yet reported in the literature. The patient clinically improved with oxygen via a non-rebreather mask, and no additional intervention was required as the patient clinically improved on her own. Although there are many theories, there is no single theory that fully explains the pathogenesis of this disease. With further research on this disease, there is hope for a better understanding of the etiology and, subsequently, better treatment options.

Role of computed tomography in imaging of endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic systemic disease characterized by the presence of endometrium-like glands and/or stroma outside the uterus, usually with an associated inflammatory process. It affects around 5-10% of women worldwide, with chronic pelvic pain and infertility being the predominant symptoms. Although suspected clinically, transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the primary imaging tools for diagnosing pelvic endometriosis, as well as helping in pre-surgical mapping. Computed tomography (CT) is not the preferred imaging modality for detection or depiction of disease extent. However, CT of the abdomen and pelvis is often performed as the initial imaging test in women presenting with acute or non-specific abdominal/ pelvic pain. CT features of endometriosis can vary depending on the organ affected, and the correct diagnosis is often not suspected due to its nonspecific CT appearance and overlap with other pathologies. Ovarian endometriomas (OMAs), the most recognized phenotype of endometriosis, may appear as hyperdense adnexal masses either in the expected location of the ovaries or positioned posterior to the uterus. Endometriomas may rupture, presenting with hemoperitoneum. The uterus may be distorted and acutely retroflexed from deep endometriosis along the posterior uterine surface. The bowel can be affected by endometriosis, especially the rectosigmoid colon, presenting as enhancing soft tissue bridging from the posterior uterine surface to the anterior rectal wall. Small bowel involvement may present with recurrent small bowel obstructions. Involvement of the urinary system may present with ureteral obstruction or a bladder wall mass. Given such varied appearances, a high degree of clinical suspicion and knowledge of CT features suggestive of endometriosis is required to facilitate an early diagnosis. This review paper therefore describes the imaging findings of endometriosis that can be recognized on an abdominopelvic CT, with the goal of decreasing the existing delay to accurate diagnosis and improving long term patient outcomes.

Imaging the Female Urethra: US and MRI in Cystic and Solid Pathologic Conditions

The female urethra can be affected by numerous pathologic conditions, many of which are infrequent and often underdiagnosed, particularly before the introduction of MRI. Diagnosing urethral pathologic conditions is challenging due to ambiguous signs and symptoms, nonspecific physical examinations, atypical presentations (such as benign conditions mimicking malignant disorders), and large lesions. Various imaging techniques, including transperineal or transvaginal US and MRI, are essential for accurate anatomic and tissue characterization. Female urethral pathologic conditions can be categorized into cystic lesions (with urethral diverticulum as the most common), benign and malignant solid urethral lesions, and iatrogenic lesions. Defining the location of the pathologic finding is the first step in radiologic diagnosis. By analyzing tissue characteristics (cystic versus noncystic), shape, morphology, and location (including urethral dependence and relationship to the pubic symphysis), an accurate diagnosis can often be achieved. Identifying whether a lesion is urethral-dependent helps distinguish between urethral and other conditions, such as Bartholin gland and Gartner duct cysts. Radiologists must recognize these features to determine the most appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. ©RSNA, 2025 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Appendiceal Endometriosis: A Rare Case of Endometriosis Mimicking Acute Appendicitis

Appendiceal endometriosis (AE) is a rare type of extragonadal endometriosis with symptoms of right lower abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting that mimic acute appendicitis. The gold standard for a definitive diagnosis is a histopathological examination of the excised appendix. We report a case of AE in a 39-year-old female patient, G10P3, with a past surgical history of cholecystectomy, seven dilation and curettage procedures, and one prior cesarean section presenting with a right lower quadrant pain with intermittent non-bloody diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting that is not exacerbated by movement. The patient was mildly tachycardic with otherwise stable vitals and no leukocytosis. The beta-hCG test was negative with a CT-confirmed Mirena® intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) (Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany) placement. The patient denied heavy bleeding or vaginal discharge. The CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with oral contrast demonstrated findings suggestive of appendicitis, leading to a subsequent laparoscopic appendectomy. The resected specimen showed histopathology features of endometriosis, confirming AE. AE poses diagnostic challenges due to its nonspecific imaging findings along with variable symptomatic presentations. The recommended management of AE is an appendectomy with a gynecological follow-up postoperatively. AE is a rare condition that can masquerade as acute appendicitis in female patients. We highlight the importance of including AE in the differential diagnosis of female patients presenting with lower abdominal pain.

Refining MRI protocols for endometriosis: a comparative study of abbreviated and full MRI sequences

OBJECTIVES

Endometriosis is a significant cause of chronic abdominal pain and infertility in females, often overlooked due to its resemblance to other abdominopelvic pathologies. This study aims to compare the diagnostic performance and agreement rate between an abbreviated MRI protocol (aMRI) and a full MRI protocol (fMRI) for detecting pelvic endometriosis.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 446 consecutive MRI exams, including both full (fMRI) and abbreviated (aMRI) protocols, performed for suspected pelvic endometriosis. An expert radiologist assessed the presence of endometriosis at 14 distinct anatomical sites. Each MRI protocol was interpreted in random order, with a minimum two-week interval between sessions to minimize recall bias. Agreement between the protocols was evaluated using kappa statistics.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 34.13 years. The highest incidences of endometriosis were found in the ovaries (88.8%) and the recto-uterine pouch (65%). The MRI protocols demonstrated perfect agreement (kappa coefficient = 1) for the ovaries, bladder, uterus, and caesarean section scar. High agreement was also observed in the rectum and uterine ligaments (kappa coefficients of 0.98 and 0.97). Detection of malignant transformation in existing ovarian endometriomas showed substantial concordance with a kappa coefficient of 0.66.

CONCLUSIONS

An abbreviated non-contrast MRI protocol exhibits diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of a comprehensive protocol in detecting pelvic endometriosis, with similar confidence and reproducibility.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This study demonstrates that an abbreviated MRI protocol is as effective as a full protocol in diagnosing pelvic endometriosis, potentially allowing for quicker, cost-effective imaging without compromising diagnostic accuracy.

A Narrative Review Regarding Implication of Ovarian Endometriomas in Infertility

Endometriosis is a multifaceted gynecological disorder defined by endometrium-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. It is mainly localized in the pelvis and creates a local inflammatory environment responsible for its manifestations and complications. In 30-50% of cases, endometriosis is associated with infertility. In 17-44% of cases, the ovaries are affected in the form of ovarian endometriomas (OEs). The symptoms of OEs are not very pronounced. The development is slow. Diagnosis is difficult because OEs resemble cystic ovarian pathology, which is so diverse. The actual diagnosis is possible through direct visualization or laparoscopy. Surgical treatment by cystectomy is common for OEs. Recently, other therapeutic modalities have emerged that have less impact on ovarian reserves and pregnancy rates. In this context, the review attempts to shed light on the best diagnostic and treatment methods for an insidious pathology with a major impact on fertility.

CAR/CSAR Practice Statement on Pelvic MRI for Endometriosis

The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Endometriosis Working Group was tasked with providing guidance and benchmarks to ensure the quality of technique and interpretation for advanced imaging modalities associated with diagnosing endometriosis. Advanced pelvic ultrasound is essential in diagnosing and mapping pelvic endometriosis, but pelvic MRI serves as an excellent imaging tool in instances where access to advanced ultrasound is limited, or an alternative imaging modality is required. Despite the known utility of MRI for endometriosis, there is no consensus on imaging protocol and patient preparation in Canada. To improve patient care and support excellence in imaging, the Working Group has developed recommendations for the use of pelvic MRI to assess for endometriosis with an aim to standardize MRI technique for use in both community and academic practices across Canada. The guidelines provide recommendations regarding imaging technique and patient preparation for pelvic MRI, along with suggestions for structured reporting of pelvic MRI for endometriosis.

Adnexal masses: a compendium of established radiological signs

Adnexal masses are frequently encountered in general practice. Whether employing CT, US, or MRI, imaging plays a pivotal role in guiding appropriate treatment for patients with adnexal masses, potentially minimizing the need for surgery in benign cases and expediting the management of those with suspected malignancy. Accurately distinguishing benign from malignant adnexal masses can be challenging due to the confined pelvic space and the proximity of organs, making it difficult to determine their organ of origin or to distinguish tissue characteristics and imaging features. Radiologists have identified a myriad of classic adnexal imaging signs that are pathognomonic of certain diagnoses. Often named analogously to familiar objects, such as the "boba sign," familiarity with these signs can contribute to an accurate diagnosis, avoiding additional imaging tests. This pictorial review is a compendium of known radiological signs of adnexal pathologies, reiterating their role in making an accurate diagnosis, and guiding the next steps in management.

Evaluation of the Epidemiological Disease Burden and Nationwide Cost of Endometriosis in Hungary

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases that can lead to infertility. The aim of this quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was to analyze the prevalence and the annual nationwide health insurance treatment cost of endometriosis in Hungary in 2010 and 2019.

METHODS

The data used in this study were sourced from publicly funded, national, real-world datasets administered by the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIFA). The total number of cases of endometriosis in the Hungarian population was determined by ICD codes and all types of care. The total prevalence, age-specific prevalence, and annual health insurance expenditure by age group were evaluated.

RESULTS

The highest numbers of patients and prevalence (2010: 101.9/100,000 women; 2019: 197.3/100,000 women) were found in outpatient care. Endometriosis, regardless of its type, mainly affects patients in the 30-39-year age group (number of patients-2010: 6852; 2019: 11,821). The NHIFA spent a total of EUR 1,639,612 on endometriosis treatment in 2010 and EUR 1,905,476 in 2019. The average annual health insurance expenditure per capita was EUR 574 in 2010 and EUR 426 in 2019. There was a significant correlation between length of stay and mean age of patients in both years (2010 r = 0.856, p < 0.001; 2019 r = 0.877, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The number endometriosis cases is increasing. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment would reduce endometriosis symptoms and therefore improve patients' quality of life and reduce health insurance costs. This would be helped by the establishment of endometriosis centers.

Diagnostics and Surgical Treatment of Deep Endometriosis-Real-World Data from a Large Endometriosis Center

Background: Deep endometriosis (DE) is a special form of endometriosis, one of the most common benign diseases in gynecology. In the specific case of DE, ectopic endometrium can be found not only in peritoneal but also in deeper tissue layers or even as parenchymal organ infiltration. Symptoms include dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia, and dysuria, as well as asymptomatic hydronephrosis or other organ dysfunctions. Due to a pathogenesis of the disease that has not been conclusively clarified to date, no causal therapy exists, which is why surgical resection of DE is still the gold standard for symptomatic cases. Methods: This article retrospectively describes the challenges in diagnosis and surgical treatment of DE at a German Level III Endometriosis Center, with a focus on diagnosis and surgical treatment, as well as the analysis of perioperative and postoperative complications. Results: The surgical treatment of DE is performed in most cases by minimally invasive laparoscopy (94.1%), whereas complex procedures such as ureterolysis, adhesiolysis, or preparation of the rectovaginal septum are considered standard procedures as well. The complexity of the procedures is further underlined by a high need for interdisciplinary operations (28%). Despite high complexity, severe postoperative complications occurred in only 3.1% of surgeries, with the complication rate being significantly higher whenever bowel surgery was necessary for DE resection. Conclusions: Our results emphasize the complexity and interdisciplinary nature of the disease. Therefore, treatment should preferably take place at an endometriosis center of the highest level with experienced, well-coordinated teams.

Continued improvement to imaging diagnosis and treatment triage of endometriosis: The role of the multi-disciplinary conference

Patient-centered endometriosis management tailored to the individual patient's subset of symptoms often requires highly sensitive and specific preoperative imaging. In the setting of a present ongoing learning curve among radiologists who interpret pelvis ultrasounds and MRIs for diagnosis of endometriosis, we have found that routine feedback between minimally invasive gynecology surgeons and radiologists, based on pre-operative imaging and postoperative laparoscopic findings, is essential for the continual improvement of imaging-based staging of endometriosis and empower pre-operative imaging as an important pillar of endometriosis management. We share illustrative patient cases, which, after collaborative discussion during our routine multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary conferences (MDCs) have led to improved patient counseling, better pre-surgical planning, and therefore improved patient satisfaction. Our endometriosis MDCs will continue to improve patient management in the future by providing a forum for trainees in medical, surgical, imaging, and pathology specialties to gain expertise directly from subspecialists, and participate in the care of these patients.

Large Endometrioma That Triggered a Hypertensive Emergency: A Case Report

Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition in women of reproductive age and has variable symptomology such as pelvic pain, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. Endometriomas are a form of endometriosis and are characterized by cystic masses most commonly found on the ovaries. This case discusses the management of a rare occurrence of a 25-cm endometrioma in a patient without a prior diagnosis of endometriosis, who presented to the emergency room in an acute hypertensive emergency. It is believed that the large cyst caused a mass effect against renal vasculature precipitating renovascular hypertension that required immediate intervention. This case was approached with minimally invasive surgical removal of the cyst and lysis of adhesions without postoperative complications.

Adenomyosis and Adolescence: A Challenging Diagnosis and Complex Management

Adenomyosis is a chronic, hormone-related disease characterized by the presence of the endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium. This condition can manifest in various features, focal or diffuse adenomyosis or as an adenomyoma, and it may involve different uterine walls (posterior, anterior, and/or lateral walls). The disease can also be classified into different degrees, as mild, moderate and severe, which can be associated with more intense symptoms, although this correlation is not always directly proportional. In fact, adenomyosis can be asymptomatic in about a third of cases or it can significantly impact patients' quality of life through painful symptoms, such as dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia, abnormal uterine bleeding-particularly heavy menstrual bleeding-and potential effects on fertility. Historically, adenomyosis has been considered a disease primarily affecting premenopausal women over the age of 40, often multiparous, because the diagnosis was traditionally based on surgical reports from hysterectomies performed after the completion of reproductive desire. Data on the presence of adenomyosis in adolescent patients remain limited. However, in recent years, advancements in noninvasive diagnostic tools and increased awareness of this pathology have enabled earlier diagnoses. The disease appears to have an early onset during adolescence, with a tendency to progress in terms of extent and severity over time. Adenomyosis often coexists with endometriosis, which also has an early onset. Therefore, it is important, when diagnosing adenomyosis, to also screen for concomitant endometriosis, especially deep endometriosis in the posterior compartment. The aim of this narrative review is to investigate the prevalence of different types and degrees of adenomyosis in younger patients, assess the associated symptoms, and describe the most appropriate diagnostic procedures for effective therapeutic management and follow-up, with the goal of improving the quality of life for these young women.

Radiology State-of-the-art Review: Endometriosis Imaging Interpretation and Reporting

Endometriosis is a common condition impacting approximately 190 million individuals and up to 50% of women with infertility globally. The disease is characterized by endometrial-like tissue located outside of the uterine corpus, which causes cyclical hemorrhage, inflammation, and fibrosis. Based on clinical suspicion or findings at routine transvaginal pelvic US or other prior imaging, dedicated imaging for endometriosis may be warranted with MRI or advanced transvaginal US. Deep endometriosis (DE) in the pelvis includes evaluation for stromal and fibrotic components and architectural distortion resulting from fibrosis and tethering. It is a disease requiring a compartment-based, pattern-recognition approach. MRI has the benefit of global assessment of the pelvis and is effective in assessing for features of malignancy and for evaluating extrapelvic locations. Transvaginal US has the advantage of dynamic maneuvers to assess for adhesions and may achieve higher spatial resolution for assessing the depth of bowel wall invasion. T1-weighted MRI evaluation increases the specificity of diagnosis by identifying hemorrhagic components, but the presence of T1 signal hyperintensity is not essential for diagnosing DE. Endometriosis is a disease with a broad spectrum; understanding the mild through advanced manifestations, including malignancy evaluation, is within the scope and breadth of radiologists' interpretation.

Deep pelvic endometriosis causing ureteral obstruction

Endometriosis is a chronic disease characterized by the presence and growth of endometrial glands and stroma outside of the uterine cavity. The pathogenesis is unclear, but a common theory attributes the condition to retrograde menstruation into the peritoneal cavity via the fallopian tubes. Hormonal influence causes these ectopic tissues to undergo cyclical bleeding, resulting in subsequent inflammation and scar tissue formation; however, it can affect postmenopausal women. In rare instances, endometriotic lesions can obstruct the ureter and result in hydroureteronephrosis and subsequent loss of renal function. This condition presents with nonspecific symptoms and is known as an often-silent disease, resulting in challenging and delayed preoperative diagnosis. In this article, we report the case of an asymptomatic 65-year old female who was diagnosed with deep pelvic endometriosis, which obstructed the right distal ureter. We focus on optimizing diagnosis and management through the application of radiological imaging modalities, specifically computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Entrapped by pain: The diagnosis and management of endometriosis affecting somatic nerves

Somatic nerve entrapment caused by endometriosis is an underrecognized and often misdiagnosed issue that leads to many women suffering unnecessarily. While the classic symptoms of endometriosis are well-known to the gynaecologic surgeon, the dermatomal-type pain caused by endometriosis impacting neural structures is not within gynecologic day-to-day practice, which often complicates diagnosis and delays treatment. A thorough understanding of pelvic neuroanatomy and a neuropelveologic approach is required for accurate assessments of patients with endometriosis and nerve entrapment. Magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred imaging modality for this presentation of endometriosis. Surgical management with laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques is the preferred approach to treatment, with excellent long-term results reported after nerve detrapment and endometriosis excision. The review calls for increased awareness and education on the links between endometriosis and the nervous system, advocating for patient-centered care and further research to refine the diagnosis and treatment of this challenging condition.

Assessment of Pain in Endometriosis: A Radiologic Perspective on Disease Severity

Background Endometriosis is a prevalent gynecological disorder characterized by extra-uterine endometrial-like tissue, causing substantial morbidity, including chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Little is known about the correlation between imaging findings and pain severity in endometriosis. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study, enrolling 150 women diagnosed with endometriosis. Clinical, imaging (MRI and transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS)), and histopathological criteria were used for diagnosis. Pain severity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Statistical analysis included multivariate regression to identify predictors of pain severity. Results Imaging revealed common sites of endometriosis involvement, predominantly ovaries (73.3%) and rectovaginal septum (40%). Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) was present in 30% of patients, predominantly affecting uterosacral ligaments (66.7% of DIE cases). Patients with ovarian endometriomas and DIE exhibited significantly higher VAS scores (7.6 ± 1.5 and 8.0 ± 1.2, respectively) compared to those without (6.5 ± 1.9 and 6.9 ± 1.8, respectively). Surgical intervention led to a significant reduction in VAS scores (from 7.4 ± 1.6 to 3.2 ± 1.7, p < 0.001), correlating with reductions in lesion size and extent observed in follow-up imaging. Conclusion Advanced imaging techniques, particularly MRI and TVUS, play a critical role in assessing pain severity in endometriosis. Ovarian endometriomas and DIE are independent predictors of increased pain severity, guiding personalized treatment strategies. Surgical excision of lesions, particularly in cases of DIE, offers substantial pain relief and improves quality of life, emphasizing the integration of imaging in clinical decision-making for optimal endometriosis management.

Giant endometrioma in an asymptomatic patient

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory gynecologic disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue, including endometrial glands and stroma, outside of the uterine cavity. It is a prevalent condition worldwide, affecting approximately 10% of reproductive-age women and up to 50% of infertile women. Endometriosis manifests in three ways: superficial peritoneal endometriosis, deep infiltrative endometriosis, and ovarian endometriomas, with the possibility of coexistence among them. The disease presents with a range of symptoms, including chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility. Additionally, patients may experience nongynecological symptoms such as dyschezia, dysuria, hematuria, flank pain, and fatigue, among others. The ovaries are the most affected site in endometriosis, typically with cysts measuring less than 6 cm in diameter. Therefore, even in the presence of a large ovarian cyst or in asymptomatic patients, the consideration of an endometrial cyst should not be overlooked.

'That's just the Ovary!' and other cases of mistaken identity on CT of the female pelvis

CT is often the first imaging test in female patients with lower abdominal and pelvic pain because of the wide availability of CT and differential diagnoses that span both gynecologic and gastrointestinal disease. Pathology within the female pelvis may be difficult to diagnose on CT owing to suboptimal delineation of anatomy in comparison to MRI and ultrasound. These challenges are confounded by overlapping imaging features of a wide range of gynecologic entities and can lead to diagnostic dilemmas. High value CT interpretation will direct the clinician to the best next diagnostic step as ultrasound and MRI provide superior soft tissue delineation. Other imaging modalities, laboratory investigations, or tissue sampling may be necessary to definitively characterize indeterminate lesions. In this review, we illustrate various cases of mistaken identity on CT of the female pelvis involving the ovaries, uterus, and peritoneal cavity while highlighting clinical pearls that may aid the radiologist in arriving at the correct diagnosis and avoiding potential pitfalls.

The correlation between ultrasonographic findings and clinical symptoms of pelvic endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

Considering the importance of endometriosis and its relatively high prevalence among women, this study sought to investigate clinical and Transrectal and transvaginal ultrasounds (TVS) findings of disease.

METHODS

This descriptive-analytical study was performed based on medical records of 155 women with endometriosis admitted to Rasool-e Akram Hospital in Tehran for a TVS. All the sonography data and patients' information were collected into checklists and analyzed in SPSS-25 software (IBM).

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 32.4 ± 6.1 years, ranging from 18 to 50 years. Endometrioma was prevalent in 129 patients (84.8%). Size of endometrioma (diameter) was more than 3 cm in 79.9% of patients, and 3 cm or fewer in 20.1% of cases. Bladder, intestinal, vaginal, and rectosigmoid involvements with endometriosis implants were observed in 4 (2.6%), 54 (35.5), 3 (0.2%), and 51 (33.5) of patients, respectively. A total of 64.5% of patients were diagnosed with incomplete stenosis of the Douglas pouch and 35.5% had complete stenosis. Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) was less than 1 cm in 20.7%, 1 to 3 cm in 42.3%, and over 3 cm in 37% of patients. The most common manifestations of endometriosis Obliteration of the Douglas pouch, endometrioma, and DIE. In addition, imaging modalities have shown promising results, indicating the necessity to use transvaginal ultrasound as the first line of diagnosis in patients with clinically suspected endometriosis.

Circulating microRNAs as Non-Invasive Biomarkers in Endometriosis Diagnosis-A Systematic Review

The aim of this systematic review is to assess the power of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers as a diagnostic tool in endometriosis. In endometriosis-suspected women with uncertain imaging, the only way to confirm or exclude endometriosis with certainty is currently laparoscopy. This creates a need for non-invasive diagnostics. We searched the literature through the PubMed database using the Mesh terms 'endometriosis' and 'miRNAs'. Some, but limited, overlap was found between the 32 articles included, with a total of 20 miRNAs reported as dysregulated in endometriosis in two or more studies. MiR-17-5p was reported as dysregulated in six studies, followed by miR-451a and let-7b-5p in four studies and miR-20a-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-199a-5p and miR-3613-5p in three studies. Furthermore, a possible impact of the menstrual phase on miRNA expression was noted in five studies, while no influence of hormonal intake was observed in any included study. The modest reproducibility between studies may be attributable to biological variability as well as to the lack of universal protocols, resulting in pre- and analytical variability. Despite the identification of several suitable candidate biomarkers among the miRNAs, the need for high-quality studies with larger and well-defined population cohorts and the use of standardized protocols lingers.

Noninvasive diagnostic imaging for endometriosis part 2: a systematic review of recent developments in magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine and computed tomography

Endometriosis affects 1 in 9 women, taking 6.4 years to diagnose using conventional laparoscopy. Non-invasive imaging enables timelier diagnosis, reducing diagnostic delay, risk and expense of surgery. This review updates literature exploring the diagnostic value of specialist endometriosis magnetic resonance imaging (eMRI), nuclear medicine (NM) and computed tomography (CT). Searching after the 2016 IDEA consensus, 6192 publications were identified, with 27 studies focused on imaging for endometriosis. eMRI was the subject of 14 papers, NM and CT, 11, and artificial intelligence (AI) utilizing eMRI, 2. eMRI papers describe diagnostic accuracy for endometriosis, methodologies, and innovations. Advantages of eMRI include its: ability to diagnose endometriosis in those unable to tolerate transvaginal endometriosis ultrasound (eTVUS); a panoramic pelvic view, easy translation to surgical fields; identification of hyperintense iron in endometriotic lesions; and ability to identify super-pelvic lesions. Sequence standardization means eMRI is less operator-dependent than eTVUS, but higher costs limit its role to a secondary diagnostic modality. eMRI for deep and ovarian endometriosis has sensitivities of 91-93.5% and specificities of 86-87.5% making it reliable for surgical mapping and diagnosis. Superficial lesions too small for detection in larger capture sequences, means a negative eMRI doesn't exclude endometriosis. Combined with thin sequence capture and improved reader expertise, eMRI is poised for rapid adoption into clinical practice. NM labeling is diagnostically limited in absence of suitable unique marker for endometrial-like tissue. CT studies expose the reproductively aged to radiation. AI diagnostic tools, combining independent eMRI and eTVUS endometriosis markers, may result in powerful capability. Broader eMRI use, will optimize standards and protocols. Reporting systems correlating to surgical anatomy will facilitate interdisciplinary preoperative dialogues. eMRI endometriosis diagnosis should reduce repeat surgeries with mental and physical health benefits for patients. There is potential for early eMRI diagnoses to prevent chronic pain syndromes and protect fertility outcomes.

Endometriosis MR mimickers: T1-hyperintense lesions

Endometriosis is a chronic and disabling gynecological disease that affects women of reproductive age. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the cornerstone radiological technique for both the diagnosis and management of endometriosis. While MRI offers higher sensitivity compared to ultrasonography, it is prone to false-positive results, leading to decreased specificity. False-positive findings can arise from various T1-hyperintense conditions on fat-suppressed T1-weighted images, resembling endometriotic cystic lesions in different anatomical compartments. These conditions include hemorrhage, hyperproteic content, MRI artifacts, feces, or melanin. Such false positives can have significant implications for patient care, ranging from incorrect diagnoses to unnecessary medical or surgical interventions and subsequent follow-up. To address these challenges, this educational review aims to provide radiologists with comprehensive knowledge about MRI criteria, potential pitfalls, and differential diagnoses, ultimately reducing false-positive results related to T1-hyperintense abnormalities.Critical relevance statementMRI has a 10% false-positive rate, leading to misdiagnosis. T1-hyperintense lesions, observed in the three phenotypes of pelvic endometriosis, can also be seen in various other causes, mainly caused by hemorrhages, high protein concentrations, and artifacts.Key points• MRI in endometriosis has a 10% false-positive rate, leading to potential misdiagnosis.• Pelvic endometriosis lesions can exhibit T1-hyperintensity across their three phenotypes.• A definitive diagnosis of a T1-hyperintense endometriotic lesion is crucial for patient management.• Hemorrhages, high protein concentrations, lipids, and artifacts are the main sources of T1-hyperintense mimickers.

Photoacoustic Imaging Endometriosis Lesions with Nanoparticulate Polydopamine as a Contrast Agent

Endometriosis (EM) is a prevalent and debilitating gynecological disorder primarily affecting women of reproductive age. The diagnosis of EM is historically hampered by delays, owing to the absence of reliable diagnostic and monitoring techniques. Herein, it is reported that photoacoustic imaging can be a noninvasive modality for deep-seated EM by employing a hyaluronic-acid-modified polydopamine (PDA@HA) nanoparticle as the contrast agent. The PDA@HA nanoparticles exhibit inherent absorption and photothermal effects when exposed to near-infrared light, proficiently converting thermal energy into sound waves. Leveraging the targeting properties of HA, distinct photoacoustic signals emanating from the periphery of orthotopic EM lesions are observed. These findings are corroborated through anatomical observations and in vivo experiments involving mice with green fluorescent protein-labeled EM lesions. Moreover, the changes in photoacoustic intensity over a 24 h period reflect the dynamic evolution of PDA@HA nanoparticle biodistribution. Through the utilization of a photoacoustic ultrasound modality, in vivo assessments of EM lesion volumes are conducted. This innovative approach not only facilitates real-time monitoring of the therapeutic kinetics of candidate drugs but also obviates the need for the sacrifice of experimental mice. As such, this study presents a promising avenue for enhancing the diagnosis and drug-screening processes of EM.

Chronic Pelvic Pain: Role of Imaging in the Diagnosis and Management

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women is not uncommon, and it may be difficult to identify the exact cause difficult to manage. It is major health problem for women that affects the quality of their daily lives. The etiology of chronic pelvic pain may be of gynecological or non-gynecological origin and associated with several predisposing and precipitating factors. Psychological and social factors also contribute to the syndrome of CPP and must be evaluated before managing these patients. Due to multifactorial etiology, CPP needs a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis and management. A detailed history and physical examination supported by appropriate laboratory tests and imaging are the keys to diagnosis. In this paper, the role of imaging in diagnosis and management of CPP is reviewed. Imaging findings should be correlated with detailed clinical examination findings as there are imaging findings that may be unrelated and not the cause of CPP in a particular patient, imaging findings should be correlated with the clinical circumstances.

Effect of hormonal treatment on evolution of endometriomas: An observational study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the evolution of endometriomas with or without medical treatment.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study was performed at the Gynaecological Center, Hôpital La Conception (Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Marseille). We reviewed clinical data of patients with at least one endometrioma diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and at least one other MRI exam after more than three months. Patients were divided into groups receiving medical treatment and without medical treatment (high-dose progestins, low-dose progestins or combined contraceptives). The primary objective was to evaluate the evolution of endometriomas with or without hormonal treatment. The primary evaluation criterion was the diameter of the endometriomas, and the secondary evaluation criterion was the number of endometriomas for each patient observed. The secondary objective was to evaluate whether different categories of hormonal treatment have different efficacity in the evolution of endometriomas.

RESULTS

We included 68 patients, 39 (57,4%) with hormonal treatment and 29 (42,6%) without hormonal treatment. There were 105 total endometriomas identified at the first MRI, 52 in patients with hormonal treatment and 53 in patients without treatment. The mean diameter of the endometriomas in patients with hormonal treatment was 31,48 ± 18,1 mm at the first MRI and 23,60 ± 15,3 mm at the second MRI. The mean diameter of the endometriomas in patients without treatment was 33,57 ± 19,7 mm at the first MRI and 40,11 ± 25,7 mm at the second MRI (statistically significant difference, p = 0.01). The mean number of endometriomas in patients with treatment was 1,79 ± 1,1 at the first MRI and 1,18 ± 0,9 at the second MRI, while the mean number of endometriomas in patients without hormonal treatment was 1,38 ± 0,6 at the first MRI and 1,97 ± 1,5 at the second MRI (difference not statistically significant, p = 0.38). The subgroup analysis differentiated by category of hormonal treatment did not show statistically significant results.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that there is a positive effect of hormonal treatment on reducing the diameter of endometriomas and also a significative increase in endometrioma size in the absence of treatment. There is no evidence of an advantage of a single category of hormonal treatment on this effect on endometriomas. Thus, any medical treatment could be proposed as a first-line therapy for endometriomas that would reduce the size of the endometrioma and thereby help to avoid surgical intervention.

Acute Presentation of Asymptomatic Giant Endometrioma in Pregnancy: A Case Report

Endometriomas are associated with severe endometriosis and are uncommon in asymptomatic women. Reported cases of giant endometriomas are few especially in pregnancy. Decidualization of endometriomas can mimic malignancies in pregnancy. Fetal outcomes can be good after excision of large endometriomas in the 2nd trimester. We present a case of giant endometrioma diagnosed in an asymptomatic woman who developed symptoms after becoming pregnant. Clinical findings, investigations, and histopathology were consistent with ovarian endometrioma. Maternal and fetal outcomes were good after the excision of the mass.

Detection of Endometriosis Lesions Using Gd-Based Collagen I Targeting Probe in Murine Models of Endometriosis

PURPOSE

Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by high fibrotic content and affecting about 10% of women during their reproductive years. Yet, no clinically approved agents are available for non-invasive endometriosis detection. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of a gadolinium-based collagen type I targeting probe (EP-3533) to non-invasively detect endometriotic lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Previously, this probe has been used for detection and staging of fibrotic lesions in the liver, lung, heart, and cancer. In this study we evaluate the potential of EP-3533 for detecting endometriosis in two murine models and compare it with a non-binding isomer (EP-3612).

PROCEDURES

For imaging, we utilized two GFP-expressing murine models of endometriosis (suture model and injection model) injected intravenously with EP3533 or EP-33612. Mice were imaged before and after bolus injection of the probes. The dynamic signal enhancement of MR T1 FLASH images was analyzed, normalized, and quantified, and the relative location of lesions was validated through ex vivo fluorescence imaging. Subsequently, the harvested lesions were stained for collagen, and their gadolinium content was quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).

RESULTS

We showed that EP-3533 probe increased the signal intensity in T1-weighted images of endometriotic lesions in both models of endometriosis. Such enhancement was not detected in the muscles of the same groups or in endometriotic lesions of mice injected with EP-3612 probe. Consequentially, control tissues had significantly lower gadolinium content, compared to the lesions in experimental groups. Probe accumulation was similar in endometriotic lesions of either model.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence for feasibility of targeting collagen type I in the endometriotic lesions using EP3533 probe. Our future work includes investigation of the utility of this probe for therapeutic delivery in endometriosis to inhibit signaling pathways that cause the disease.

Pictorial essay: MRI evaluation of endometriosis-associated neoplasms

Endometriosis is a frequent pathology mostly affecting women of young age. When typical aspects are present, the diagnosis can easily be made at imaging, especially at MRI. Transformation of benign endometriosis to endometriosis-associated neoplasms is rare. The physiopathology is complex and remains controversial. Endometrioid carcinoma and clear cell carcinoma are the main histological subtypes. Our goal was to review the main imaging characteristics that should point to an ovarian or extra-ovarian endometriosis-related tumor, especially at MRI, as it may be relevant prior to surgical management.Key points• Transformation of benign endometriosis to endometriosis-associated neoplasms is rare.• MRI is useful when displaying endometriosis lesions associated to an ovarian tumor.• Subtraction imaging should be used in the evaluation of complex endometriomas.

Caesarean-section scar endometriosis (CSSE): clinical and imaging fundamentals of an underestimated entity

Caesarean-section scar endometriosis (CSSE) is a form of extra-pelvic endometriosis developing through endometrial cell implantation anywhere along the route of a previous caesarean section (CS) surgery, including the skin, subcutaneous tissue, abdominal wall muscles, intraperitoneally, and the uterine scar itself. Synchronous intra-abdominal endometriosis is not a prerequisite. Given the rising prevalence of CS, CSSE may be underrepresented in the literature and occur more frequently than previously thought. Locating a painful soft-tissue mass-like lesion along the path of a previous CS scar is the most indicative sign that should initially alarm physicians towards suggesting CSSE, especially if symptoms are typical (cyclically reoccurring with menstruation). The detection of hyperintense (haemorrhagic) foci on T1 fat-saturated sequences will strongly support the diagnosis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the most sensitive imaging method for CSSE assessment. A non-specific, contrast-enhancing, hypodense nodule with spiculate edges may be suggestive if the lesion was originally detected on computed tomography (CT). Although ultrasound is frequently the first imaging method used, the findings are non-specific; therefore, making it more useful for ruling out other differentials and for image-guided biopsy. In any case, histopathology provides the definitive diagnosis. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment; however, minimally invasive, percutaneous techniques have also been implemented successfully.

Thoracic Endometriosis Syndrome (TES) in Martinique, a French West Indies Island

INTRODUCTION

Endometriosis is a female disease that affects 5-10% of women of childbearing age, with predominantly pelvic manifestations. It is currently declared as a public health priority in France. Thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES) is the most common extra-pelvic manifestation.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients with TES in Martinique.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a descriptive, retrospective study including all patients managed at the University Hospital of Martinique for TES between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2020.

RESULTS

During the study period, we identified 479 cases of pneumothorax, of which 212 were women (44%). Sixty-three patients (30% of all female pneumothorax) were catamenial pneumothorax (CP) including 49 pneumothoraxes alone (78% of catamenial pneumothorax) and 14 hemopneumothorax (22% of catamenial pneumothorax). There were 71 cases of TES, including 49 pneumothoraxes (69%), 14 hemopneumothoraxes (20%) and 8 hemothorax (11%). The annual incidence of TES was 1.1 cases/100,000 inhabitants. The prevalence of TES was 1.2/1000 women aged from 15 to 45 years and the annual incidence of TES for this group was 6.9/100,000. The annual incidence of CP was 1 case/100,000 inhabitants. The average age at diagnosis was 36 ± 6 years. Eight patients (11%) had no prior diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis (PE). The mean age at pelvic endometriosis diagnosis was 29 ± 6 years. The mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 24 ± 50 weeks, and 53 ± 123 days from diagnosis to surgery. Thirty-two patients (47%) had prior abdominopelvic surgery. Seventeen patients (24%) presented other extra-pelvic localizations. When it came to management, 69/71 patients (97%) underwent surgery. Diaphragmatic nodules or perforations were found in 68/69 patients (98.5%). Histological confirmation was obtained in 55/65 patients who underwent resection (84.6%). Forty-four patients (62%) experienced recurrence. The mean time from the initial treatment to recurrence was 20 ± 33 months. The recurrence rate was 16/19 (84.2%) in patients who received medical therapy only, 11/17 (64.7%) in patients treated by surgery alone, and 17/31 (51.8%) in patients treated with surgery and medical therapy (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a very high incidence of TES in Martinique. The factors associated with this high incidence in this specific geographical area remain to be elucidated. The frequency of recurrence was lower in patients who received both hormone therapy and surgery.

Use of the Free Endometriosis Risk Advisor App as a Non-Invasive Screening Test for Endometriosis in Patients with Chronic Pelvic Pain and/or Unexplained Infertility

Endometriosis is a prevalent condition that affects millions of individuals globally, leading to various symptoms and significant disruptions to their quality of life. However, the diagnosis of endometriosis often encounters delays, emphasizing the pressing need for non-invasive screening. This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the utility of the Endometriosis Risk Advisor (EndoRA) mobile application in screening for endometriosis in patients with chronic pelvic pain and/or unexplained infertility. The study consisted of 293 patients who met specific criteria: they were English-speaking individuals with chronic pelvic pain and/or unexplained infertility, owned smartphones, and had no prior diagnosis of endometriosis. The results demonstrated that the EndoRA score exhibited a high sensitivity of 93.1% but a low specificity of 5.9% in detecting endometriosis. The positive predictive value was 94.1%, while the negative predictive value was 5.0%. Although the study had limitations and potential selection bias, its findings suggest that EndoRA can serve as a valuable screening tool for high-risk individuals, enabling them to identify themselves as being at an increased risk for endometriosis. EndoRA's non-invasive nature, free access, and easy accessibility have the potential to streamline evaluation and treatment processes, thereby empowering individuals to seek timely care and ultimately improving patient outcomes and overall well-being.

Multimodality imaging findings of infected endometriomas: "T1 signal reversal" as a potential diagnostic sign?

Endometrioma superinfection is a rare clinical entity that may cause diagnostic confusion and can be complicated by rupture, peritonitis, sepsis, and even death. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient management. Since clinical findings can be mild or nonspecific, radiological imaging is frequently used for diagnostic purposes. From a radiological perspective, it can be challenging to distinguish the presence of infection in an endometrioma. Complex cyst structure, wall thickening, increased peripheral vascularization, nondependent air bubbles, and surrounding inflammatory changes have been reported as potential US and CT findings suggestive of superinfection. On the other hand, there is a gap in the literature regarding MRI findings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report in the literature to discuss MRI findings and temporal evolution of infected endometriomas. In this case report, we aim to present a patient with bilateral infected endometriomas at different stages, and to discuss the multimodality imaging findings, focusing specifically on the MRI. We defined 2 new MRI findings that may indicate the presence of superinfection in the early period. The first one was the "T1 signal reversal" seen in bilateral endometriomas. The second one, "progressive disappearance of T2 shading," was observed only in the right-sided lesion. These nonenhancing signal changes accompanied by increased lesion sizes during MRI follow-up were thought to represent a transition from blood to pus, and the percutaneous drainage of the right-sided endometrioma microbiologically confirmed our suspicion. In conclusion, MRI can be helpful in the early diagnosis of infected endometrioma due to its high soft tissue resolution. Percutaneous treatment may contribute to patient management as an alternative to surgical drainage.

Endometrioma causing recurrent small bowel obstruction in a virgin abdomen-a case report and literature review

There has been a modest number of cases of bowel obstruction secondary to endometriosis reported. Delays in diagnoses can cause significant morbidity to patients. We describe the case of a 45-year-old female with a 2-year history of recurrent small bowel obstructions (SBOs) without a history of abdominal surgery. She underwent multiple computed tomography scans, and a magnetic resonance enterography, which queried possible terminal ileitis secondary to Crohn's fibro-stenosing disease or a Meckel's diverticulum. Colonoscopy up to TI was normal. Elective laparoscopy showed a cicatrizing small bowel mass in her distal ileum ~15 cm from the TI, which was resected. There were no other findings. Histopathological testing revealed endometriosis. At 2-month post-resection, she remains symptom-free and was referred to gynaecology. Endometriosis causing bowel obstruction should be considered early in female patients, especially those with virgin abdomens. Timely elective laparoscopy is a safe and effective way of diagnosing and treating small bowel obstruction, avoiding an emergency procedure.

A CT-based radiomics nomogram for differentiating ovarian cystadenomas and endometriotic cysts

AIM

To construct and validate a computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics nomogram integrating radiomics signature and clinical factors to distinguish ovarian cystadenomas and endometriotic cysts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 287 patients with ovarian cystadenomas (n=196) or endometriotic cysts (n=91) were divided randomly into a training cohort (n=200) and a validation cohort (n=87). Radiomics features based on the portal venous phase of CT images were extracted by PyRadiomics. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operation regression was applied to select the significant features and develop the radiomics signature. A radiomics score (rad-score) was calculated. The clinical model was built by the significant clinical factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to construct the radiomics nomogram based on significant clinical factors and rad-score. The diagnostic performances of the radiomics nomogram, radiomics signature, and clinical model were evaluated and compared in the training and validation cohorts. Diagnostic confusion matrices of these models were calculated for the validation cohort and compared with those of the radiologists.

RESULTS

Seventeen radiomics features from CT images were used to build the radiomics signature. The radiomics nomogram incorporating cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) level and rad-score showed the best performance in both the training and validation cohorts with AUCs of 0.925 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.885-0.965), and 0.942 (95% CI: 0.891-0.993), respectively. The accuracy of radiomics nomogram in the confusion matrix outperformed the radiologists.

CONCLUSIONS

The radiomics nomogram performed well for differentiating ovarian cystadenomas and endometriotic cysts, and may help in clinical decision-making process.

Transvaginal sonography and surgical findings in the diagnosis of endometriosis individuals: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is a challenging gynecological disease and a debilitating condition that profoundly affects the individual's quality of life. Besides pathological confirmation, diagnostic laparoscopy has been internationally accepted as the standard method to identify the accurate mapping of endometriosis. Transvaginal sonography (TVS) is the first non-invasive imaging modality to estimate the severity of endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of TVS in affected women compared with surgical findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study surveyed 170 women with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) referred to the endometriosis part of the Avicenna Infertility Center, Tehran, Iran and they underwent TVS followed by laparoscopy. Recorded data of individuals under study in the medical database system were reviewed. Finally, the agreement rate was calculated for ultrasound reports and intraoperative (IO) findings regarding ovarian endometrium, ovarian adhesion, involvement of cul-de-sac, rectovaginal septum, and bowel and ureter.

RESULTS

170 women with DIE entered the study. The agreement of TVS and IO findings were 86.76% for left ovarian endometriosis and 70.86% for right ovarian endometriosis, 93.90% for left ovarian adhesion, and 88.90% for right ovarian adhesion, 88.90% for a cul-de-sac, and 84.82% for bowel nodules. The findings, based on a laparoscopic assessment of the pelvic floor, were completely compatible with ultrasound reports (100%).

CONCLUSION

TVS allows a preoperative evaluation in planning the surgical policy associated. TVS is beneficial for dedicated mapping of DIE; thus, an expert radiologist can aid the surgeon in preoperative evaluation and IO management.

Acute abdominal pain in women of reproductive age: keys to suggest a complication of endometriosis

Although endometriosis is a common gynecological condition in women of reproductive age, a complication of endometriosis is rarely considered as the differential diagnosis of acute abdominal pain in that context. However, acute events in women with endometriosis can represent life-threatening conditions, which require emergent treatment and often surgical management. Mass effect of endometriotic implants can give rise to obstructive complications, specifically occurring in the bowel or in the urinary tract, while inflammatory mediators released by ectopic endometrial tissue can lead to inflammation of the surrounding tissues or to superinfection of the endometriotic implants. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best imaging modality to reach the diagnosis of endometriosis, but an accurate diagnosis is possible on computed tomography, especially in the presence of stellar, mildly enhanced, infiltrative lesions in suggestive areas. The aim of this pictorial review is to provide an image-based overview of key findings for the diagnosis of acute abdominal complications of endometriosis.

Evaluation and management of endometriosis

The initial diagnostic investigations for endometriosis are physical examination and pelvic ultrasound. The pelvic examination should include a speculum examination and vaginal palpation. Mobility, fixation and/or tenderness of the uterus and site-specific tenderness in the pelvis should be evaluated. Transvaginal ultrasound and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging are recommended to evaluate the extent of the endometriosis and to determine whether any urinary tract or bowel procedures might also be required during surgical resection. Quality of life should be assessed by using the Endometriosis Health Profile-30, its short version EHP-5 or the generic quality of life questionnaire SF-36. Management of endometriosis is recommended when it has a functional impact (pain, infertility) or causes organ dysfunction. Many gynecological societies have published different guidelines for the evaluation and management of endometriosis. However, the complexity of this disease together with the different available treatments lead to significant discrepancies between the recommendations. Postmenopausal endometriosis should be considered when a patient has a history of symptoms before menopause including dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia, infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Malignant transformation of endometriosis is estimated to occur in about 0.7-1.6% of women affected by endometriosis. Endometriosis is associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer, specifically clear cell, endometrioid and low-grade serous types.

Epigenetics, endometriosis and sex steroid receptors: An update on the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of estrogen and progesterone receptors in patients with endometriosis

Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disease affecting ∼10% of reproductive-aged women and is defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. Endometriosis can cause a variety of health problems, from pelvic discomfort to catamenial pneumothorax, but it's mainly linked with severe and chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and deep dyspareunia, as well as reproductive issues. The pathogenesis of endometriosis involves an endocrine dysfunction, with estrogen dependency and progesterone resistance, and inflammatory mechanism activation, together with impaired cell proliferation and neuroangiogenesis. The present chapter aims to discuss the main epigenetic mechanisms related to estrogen receptors (ERs) and progesterone receptors (PRs) in patients with endometriosis. There are numerous epigenetic mechanisms participating in endometriosis, regulating the expression of the genes encoding these receptors both indirectly, through the regulation of transcription factors, and directly, through DNA methylation, histone modifications, micro RNAs and long noncoding RNAs. This represents an open field of investigation, which may lead to important clinical implications such as the development of epigenetic drugs for the treatment of endometriosis and the identification of specific and early biomarkers for the disease.

Deep pelvic infiltrating endometriosis: MRI consensus lexicon and compartment-based approach from the ENDOVALIRM group

PURPOSE

The purpose of this consensus article was to develop guidelines by a focused panel of experts to elaborate a lexicon of image interpretation, and a standardized region-based reporting of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Evidence-based data and expert opinion were combined using the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method to attain consensus guidelines. Experts scoring of pelvic compartment delineation and reporting template were collected; responses were analyzed and classified as "RECOMMENDED" versus "NOT RECOMMENDED" (when ≥ 80% consensus among experts) or uncertain (when < 80% consensus among experts).

RESULTS

Consensus regarding pelvic compartment delineation and DIE reporting was attained using the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method. The pelvis was divided in nine compartments and extrapelvic lesions were assigned to an additional (tenth) compartment. A consensus was also reached for each structure attributed to a compartment and each reporting template item among the experts. No consensus was reached for a normal aspect of uterosacral ligament, but a consensus was reached for an unequivocal involvement leading to a positive diagnosis and an equivocal involvement leading to uncertain diagnosis. Tailored MRI lexicon and standardized region-based report were proposed.

CONCLUSION

These consensus recommendations should be used as a guide for DIE reporting and staging with MRI. Standardized MRI compartment-based structured reporting is recommended to enable consistent accuracy and help select the best therapeutic approach.

Spectrum of Ovarian Incidentalomas: Diagnosis and Management

Incidental ovarian lesions are asymptomatic lesions that are accidentally discovered during a CT or MRI examinations that involves the pelvic cavity or during a routine obstetric ultrasound study. Incidental ovarian masses are usually benign with a very low risk of malignancy yet underlying malignant pathology may be discovered during the diagnostic work-up of these lesions. Suspicion of malignancy is directly correlating with the increase in the patient's age, the increase in the size of the lesion, the presence of the solid components or thick septa and a high color scale of the ovarian mass. Following standard reporting and management protocols are essential to choose the proper work-up of these lesions to avoid unnecessary additional imaging and operative intervention. In this article, we will provide a review of the characteristic imaging features of some incidental and yet commonly encountered ovarian lesions. We will also summarize the recently published algorithms that are important for consistent reporting and standard management of these lesions.