Endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome: co-morbidity or misdiagnosis?

Diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasound in pelvic masses with bowel involvement

BACKGROUND

The diagnostic ability of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for intestinal infiltration by pelvic masses has aroused considerable interest in many oncological settings. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of EUS in predicting colorectal invasion in patients with pelvic masses and compare its accuracy with that of other imaging methods, namely pelvic MRI and abdominal computed tomography (CT), in predicting intestinal involvement in patients with histologically confirmed colorectal invasion.

METHODS

A hundred and eighty-four female patients with histologically confirmed benign or malignant pelvic masses were enrolled in a retrospective-prospective study. All patients underwent EUS, pelvic MRI, and one or more of abdominal CT, transvaginal sonography, and colonoscopy examinations before surgery. The surgical and pathological results were used as the gold standard to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of EUS for colorectal invasion of pelvic masses.

RESULTS

This study included 184 patients who underwent surgery, with the time between EUS and surgery ranging from 1 to 309 (mean, 13.2) days. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of EUS for benign and malignant pelvic masses infiltrating the intestine were 83.3, 97.8, 99.1, and 66.2%, respectively. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 87.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS is a simple, noninvasive, reliable, and accurate technique for the preoperative diagnosis of pelvic masses infiltrating the intestine. The authors recommend the use of this technology by gynecologists, as well as its incorporation into the preoperative diagnostic process to determine the most suitable surgical method. This would help in avoiding unexpected situations and unnecessary resource wastage during surgery.

Diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasonography in pelvic masses with bowel involvement

Benign and malignant pelvic masses with or without intestinal invasion are common in women of childbearing age. Patients may have nonspecific symptoms and signs or experience no symptoms. Laparoscopic resection of pelvic masses is currently the mainstream treatment; therefore, accurate preoperative evaluation is not only essential for patients suspected of having intestinal invasion, but also extremely important for the selection of follow-up treatment. Procedures, including endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, abdominal computed tomography, vaginal ultrasonography, barium enema, and colonoscopy, aid in determining the presence, depth, and histology of the disease. In particular, the wide application and continuous developments in EUS techniques have improved the diagnostic accuracy for intestinal subepithelial and peripheral organ lesions. This article reviewed the clinical value of EUS in the diagnosis of benign and malignant pelvic masses with bowel involvement.

Magnetic Resonance Rectal Enema Versus Computed Tomographic Colonography in the Diagnosis of Rectosigmoid Endometriosis

OBJECTIVES

Rectosigmoid involvement by endometriosis causes intestinal symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and dyschezia. A precise diagnosis about the presence, location, and extent of bowel implants is required to plan the most appropriate treatment. The aim of the study was to compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance with distension of the rectosigmoid (MR-e) with computed colonography (CTC) for diagnosing rectosigmoid endometriosis.

METHODS

This study was based on the retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of patients with suspicion of rectosigmoid endometriosis who underwent both MR-e and CTC, and subsequently were treated by laparoscopy. The findings of imaging techniques were compared with surgical and histological results.

RESULTS

Of 90 women included in the study, 44 (48.9%) had rectosigmoid nodules and underwent bowel surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis were 88.6%, 93.5%, 92.9%, 89.6%, and 91.1% for CTC, and 93.2%, 97.9%, 97.6%, 93.8%, and 95.6% for MR-e. There was no significant difference in the accuracy of both radiologic examinations for diagnosing rectosigmoid endometriosis (P = 0.344). However, MR-e was more accurate than CTC in estimating the largest diameter of the main rectosigmoid nodule (P < 0.001). The pain perceived by the patients was significantly lower during MR-e than during CTC (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MR-e and CTC have similar diagnostic performance for the diagnosis of rectosigmoid involvement of endometriosis. However, MR-e is more accurate in the estimation of the largest diameter of main rectosigmoid nodule and more tolerated than CTC.

Long-Term Administration of Dienogest for the Treatment of Pain and Intestinal Symptoms in Patients with Rectosigmoid Endometriosis

Background: Rectosigmoid endometriosis is a severe form of deep endometriosis, which may be responsible for pain symptoms and a wide range of intestinal complains such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal cramping. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of long-term therapy with dienogest (DNG), a fourth-generation progestin, for ameliorating quality of life, pain, and intestinal symptoms of patients affected by rectosigmoid endometriosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database was done on patients with endometriotic nodules infiltrating at least the muscular layer of the rectosigmoid wall with an estimated colorectal stenosis <60%. The diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis was based on transvaginal ultrasonography. Patients accepting to participate in the study received continuous oral treatment with DNG at the dose of 2 mg/day. Results: At the end of the first year of treatment, a significant decrease in dysmenorrhea (P < 0.001), chronic pelvic pain (P < 0.001), dyspareunia (P < 0.001), dyschezia (P < 0.001), and in intestinal symptoms (P < 0.001) was observed. A progressive increase of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30) and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) scores was observed in the first two years of therapy (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Improvements of patients’ symptoms and quality of life were maintained until the end of the study. The regimen was well tolerated, and the frequency and amount of irregular bleeding decreased as treatment progressed. Conclusion: The current study confirms the efficacy of long-term therapy with DNG for treating symptoms caused by rectosigmoid endometriosis.

Lower endoscopic ultrasound in preoperative evaluation of rectosigmoid endometriosis

Background and study aims  Endometriosis affects a significant proportion of reproductive-aged women and involves the bowel in up to one-third of patients with the condition. Lower endoscopic ultrasound (LEUS) in assessment of endometriosis of the rectosigmoid colon was first described 20 years ago in European populations. The current study aimed to describe the diagnostic characteristics of this imaging modality at a tertiary US referral center in a large cohort and its impact on surgical planning. Patients and methods  This was a retrospective cohort study of adult women evaluated for rectosigmoid endometriosis by LEUS at an American tertiary referral center between January 2003 through June 2017. The reference standard for rectosigmoid endometriosis was surgical evaluation regardless of whether tissue was obtained for histologic evaluation. Two separate analyses were run; one comparing EUS to laparoscopic findings and another comparing EUS to histologic findings. Results  LEUS demonstrated a positive predictive value (PPV) of 93.8 % (CI:68.1,99.1) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.4 % (CI:87.8,99.0) in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis. Test sensitivity was 88.2 % (CI:63.6,98.5) and specificity was 98.2 % (CI:90.1,99.9). Overall diagnostic accuracy of the test was 95.8 % (CI:88.1,99.1). Conclusions  In this large cohort of women at an American tertiary referral center undergoing evaluation for rectosigmoid endometriosis, LEUS demonstrated high PPV and NPV as well as excellent diagnostic accuracy. In addition, the LEUS findings provided important information to the referring gynecologic surgeon. This minimally-invasive imaging modality should be utilized in preoperative evaluation of women undergoing surgery for suspected or known endometriosis.

Multidetector computerized tomography enteroclysis vs. rectal water contrast transvaginal ultrasonography in determining the presence and extent of bowel endometriosis

OBJECTIVES

To compare the accuracy of multidetector computerized tomography enteroclysis (MDCT-e) and rectal water contrast transvaginal ultrasonography (RWC-TVS) in determining the presence and extent of bowel endometriosis.

METHODS

This prospective study included 96 patients of reproductive age with suspicion of bowel endometriosis. Patients underwent MDCT-e and RWC-TVS before operative laparoscopy. Findings of MDCT-e and RWC-TVS were compared with histological results. The severity of pain experienced during MDCT-e and RWC-TVS was measured by a 10-cm visual analog scale.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients had bowel endometriotic nodules at surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis were 95.8% (46/48), 100.0% (48/48), 100.0% (46/46), 96.0% (48/50) and 97.9% (94/96) for MDCT-e and 93.8% (45/48), 97.9% (47/48), 97.8% (45/46), 94.0% (47/50) and 95.8% (92/96) for RWC-TVS. MDCT-e was associated with more intense pain than was RWC-TVS.

CONCLUSIONS

MDCT-e and RWC-TVS have similar accuracy in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis, but patients tolerate RWC-TVS better than they do MDCT-e.

Bowel endometriosis: Recent insights and unsolved problems

Bowel endometriosis affects between 3.8% and 37% of women with endometriosis. The evaluation of symptoms and clinical examination are inadequate for an accurate diagnosis of intestinal endometriosis. Transvaginal ultrasonography is the first line investigation in patients with suspected bowel endometriosis and allows accurate determination of the presence of the disease. Radiological techniques (such as magnetic resonance imaging and multidetector computerized tomography enteroclysis) are useful for estimating the extent of bowel endometriosis. Hormonal therapies (progestins, gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues and aromatase inhibitors) significantly improve pain and intestinal symptoms in patients with bowel stenosis less than 60% and who do not wish to conceive. However, hormonal therapies may not prevent the progression of bowel endometriosis and, therefore, patients receiving long-term treatment should be periodically monitored. Surgical excision of bowel endometriosis should be offered to symptomatic patients with bowel stenosis greater than 60%. Intestinal endometriotic nodules may be excised by nodulectomy or segmental resection. Both surgical procedures improve pain, intestinal symptoms and fertility. Nodulectomy may be associated with a lower rate of complications.

Presacral schwannoma treated as irritable bowel syndrome

Presacral tumours represent a heterogeneous group of predominantly benign and occasionally malignant neoplasms. These tumours, though rare, frequently present either incidentally or with vague symptoms. Schwannomas of the presacral region are one variant described as benign tumours of neurogenic origin. The case of a large presacral schwannoma in a 26-year-old man, who was treated for irritable bowel syndrome for 4 years, is presented. The patient presented with intermittent constipation, a feeling of incomplete evacuation of the bowel and vague abdominal discomfort relieved by defecation. The symptomatology worsened and constipation became frequent, and the patient experienced increased urinary frequency. Baseline investigations were normal and ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed a pelvic mass, which on CT scanning was revealed to be a large retrorectal mass. The tumour was resected and histology revealed it to be a schwannoma. This unique case is presented to emphasise that irritable bowel syndrome must be a diagnosis of exclusion, especially if atypical symptoms are present.

Letrozole and norethisterone acetate in colorectal endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

Up to now limited attention has been given to the medical treatment of bowel endometriosis. This study evaluates the efficacy of aromatase inhibitors and norethisterone acetate in treating pain and gastrointestinal symptoms caused by bowel endometriosis.

STUDY DESIGN

This prospective pilot study included six women with colorectal endometriosis; all women had intestinal nodules infiltrating at least the muscularis propria of the bowel and did not have a stenosis of the bowel lumen >60%; the patients suffered from pain and intestinal symptoms. The study subjects received letrozole (2.5 mg/day) and norethisterone acetate (2.5 mg/day) continuously for 6 months. The presence and intensity of symptoms were evaluated before starting the treatment, and after 3 and 6 months of treatment.

RESULTS

The double-drug regimen improved pain, non-menstrual pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia, dyschezia, symptoms mimicking diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal cramping, abdominal bloating and passage of mucus in the stools, and 67% of the patients declared that the treatment improved their gastrointestinal symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of letrozole and norethisterone acetate reduces pain and gastrointestinal symptoms of women with colorectal endometriosis, particularly when patients suffer from symptoms mimicking diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.