O-RADS MRI SCORE: An Essential First-Step Tool for the Characterization of Adnexal Masses

The ovarian-adnexal reporting and data system on magnetic resonance imaging (O-RADS MRI) score is now a well-established tool to characterize pelvic gynecological masses based on their likelihood of malignancy. The main added value of O-RADS MRI over O-RADS US is to correctly reclassify lesions that were considered suspicious on US as benign on MRI. The crucial issue when characterizing an adnexal mass is to determine the presence/absence of solid tissue and thus need to perform gadolinium injection. O-RADS MR score was built on a multivariate analysis and must be applied as a step-by-step analysis: 1) Is the mass an adnexal mass? 2) Is there an associated peritoneal carcinomatosis? 3) Is there any significant amount of fatty content? 4) Is there any wall enhancement? 5) Is there any internal enhancement? 6) When an internal enhancement is detected, does the internal enhancement correspond to solid tissue or not? 7) Is the solid tissue malignant? With its high value to distinguish benign from malignant adnexal masses and its high reproducibility, the O-RADS MRI score could be a valuable tool for timely referral of a patient to an expert center for the treatment of ovarian cancers. Finally, to make a precise diagnosis allowing optimal personalized treatment, the radiologist in gynecological imaging will combine the O-RADS MRI score with many other clinical, biological, and other MR criteria to suggest a pathological hypothesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 3.

Right-Sided Pneumothorax Associated with Pneumoperitoneum Subsequent to Transverse Colon Perforation: Case Report

Pneumothorax can be spontaneous or secondary to a pre-existing disorder or trauma. Pneumothorax associated with pneumoperitoneum without thoraco-abdominal communication is a rare event poorly described in the literature. We report the case of a 73-year-old patient undergoing abdominal debulking surgery for advanced stage ovarian cancer complicated by a pneumoperitoneum and a right-sided pneumothorax without hernia or evidence of diaphragmatic trauma. Several physio-pathological hypotheses have been suggested, including a potential COVID-19 infection without clear etiology. Our case report emphasizes the possible association of pneumothorax with pneumoperitoneum related to a colon perforation without visible diaphragmatic or mediastinal defects.

Asteroseismic detection of latitudinal differential rotation in 13 Sun-like stars

The differentially rotating outer layers of stars are thought to play a role in driving their magnetic activity, but the underlying mechanisms that generate and sustain differential rotation are poorly understood. We report the measurement using asteroseismology of latitudinal differential rotation in the convection zones of 40 Sun-like stars. For the most significant detections, the stars' equators rotate approximately twice as fast as their midlatitudes. The latitudinal shear inferred from asteroseismology is much larger than predictions from numerical simulations.

[Comparison of the accuracy of rectal endoscopic sonography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of colorectal endometriosis]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and rectal endoscopic sonography (RES) for the diagnosis of colorectal endometriosis.

METHODS

In retrospective study, 407 patients operated on service of gynecology of Tenon hospital for deep endometriosis with suspected colorectal involvement. All patients underwent MRI and then RES.

RESULTS

In the study, 239 patients (59%) had colorectal endometriosis which were diagnosed with the histology. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV) of RES and MRI for the diagnosis of colorectal endometriosis were respectively 92%, 87%, 91%, 88% and 85%, 88%, 91%, 80%. The accuracy of RES was not significantly different than MRI (90% versus 86%, P=0.09).

CONCLUSION

RES is a good exam to diagnose colorectal endometriosis. It is able to improve diagnosis performances.

Perfusion of the uterine junctional zone in nulliparous and primiparous women assessed by DCE-MRI, as a function of menstrual cycle and hormonal contraception

PURPOSE

To evaluate the perfusion parameters of inner and outer myometrium in healthy nulliparous and primiparous women who are and who are not currently using hormonal contraceptives by means of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed pelvic 1.5T DCE-MRI on 98 women: 18 nulliparous non-users, 30 nulliparous users, 12 primiparous non-users and 38 primiparous users of hormonal contraception (mean age respectively 26.4, 25.8, 30.23 and 28.18years). The nulliparous non-users underwent DCE-MRI investigations during their follicular, ovulatory and luteal phase. Perfusion parameters (iAUC/volume, Ktrans, Kep and Ve) were assessed in the anterior and posterior junctional zone (JZ), outer myometrium and cervix.

RESULTS

In nulliparous non-users, the mean Ktrans and iAUC/volume showed a decrease from follicular to luteal phase (0.82 vs 0.55min^-1 for Ktrans, p=0/027 and 1.28 vs 0.68 for iAUC/volume, p<0.001). The anterior JZ demonstrated lower Ktrans (p=0.050) and higher Kep (p=0.012), in nulliparous non-users, lower Ktrans in nulliparous users (p<0.001) and lower Ve in primiparous users (p=0.012) than the anterior outer myometrium. Ktrans at the anterior and posterior JZ wall in nulliparous users was lower than in non-users (p=0.001 and p=0.013) and Ve at the anterior JZ wall in primiparous users was lower than in non-users (p=0.044).

CONCLUSION

This study provides data on normal perfusion parameters of inner and outer myometrium, which may be potentially useful in assisted reproductive therapy.

European society of urogenital radiology (ESUR) guidelines: MR imaging of pelvic endometriosis

Abstract

Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition of unknown aetiology that primarily affects women of reproductive age. The accepted first-line imaging modality is pelvic ultrasound. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly performed as an additional investigation in complex cases and for surgical planning. There is currently no international consensus regarding patient preparation, MRI protocols or reporting criteria. Our aim was to develop clinical guidelines for MRI evaluation of pelvic endometriosis based on literature evidence and consensus expert opinion. This work was performed by a group of radiologists from the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR), experts in gynaecological imaging and a gynaecologist expert in methodology. The group discussed indications for MRI, technical requirements, patient preparation, MRI protocols and criteria for the diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis on MRI. The expert panel proposed a final recommendation for each criterion using Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine (OCEBM) 2011 levels of evidence.

Key Points

• This report provides guidelines for MRI in endometriosis.

• Minimal and optimal MRI acquisition protocols are provided.

• Recommendations are proposed for patient preparation, best MRI sequences and reporting criteria.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00330-016-4673-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Systematic approach to sonographic evaluation of the pelvis in women with suspected endometriosis, including terms, definitions and measurements: a consensus opinion from the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) group

The IDEA (International Deep Endometriosis Analysis group) statement is a consensus opinion on terms, definitions and measurements that may be used to describe the sonographic features of the different phenotypes of endometriosis. Currently, it is difficult to compare results between published studies because authors use different terms when describing the same structures and anatomical locations. We hope that the terms and definitions suggested herein will be adopted in centers around the world. This would result in consistent use of nomenclature when describing the ultrasound location and extent of endometriosis. We believe that the standardization of terminology will allow meaningful comparisons between future studies in women with an ultrasound diagnosis of endometriosis and should facilitate multicenter research. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Fertility before and after surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis with and without bowel involvement: a literature review

AIM

Endometriosis affects from 10% to 15% of women of childbearing age and 20% of these women have deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). The goal of this review was to assess the impact of various locations of DIE on spontaneous fertility and the benefit of surgery and Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) (in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination) on fertility outcomes.

METHODS

MEDLINE search for articles on fertility in women with DIE published between 1990 and April 2013 using the following terms: "deep infiltrative endometriosis", "colorectal", "bowel", "rectovaginal", "uterosacral", "vaginal", "bladder" and "fertility" or "infertility". Twenty-nine articles reporting fertility outcomes in 2730 women with DIE were analysed.

RESULTS

Among the women with DIE and no bowel involvement (N.=1295), no preoperative data on spontaneous pregnancy rate (PR) were available. The postoperative spontaneous PR rate in these women was 50.5% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] =46.8-54.1) and overall PR (spontaneous pregnancies and after MAR) was 68.3% (95% CI=64.9-71.7). No evaluation of fertility outcome according to locations of DIE was feasible. For women with DIE with bowel involvement without surgical management (N.=115), PR after MAR was 29%; 95% CI=20.7-37.4). For those with bowel involvement who were surgically managed (N.=1320), postoperative spontaneous PR was 28.6% (95% CI=25-32.3) and overall postoperative PR was 46.9% (95% CI=42.9-50.9).

CONCLUSION

For women with DIE without bowel involvement, surgery alone offers a high spontaneous PR. For those with bowel involvement, the low spontaneous and relatively high overall PR suggests the potential benefit of combining surgery and MAR.

How to measure breast cancer tumoral size at MR imaging?

OBJECTIVE

To compare the accuracy of different MR sequences to measure tumor size.

METHODS

Eighty-six women (mean age: 53 years (30-78)) who underwent preoperative MRI for breast cancer were included. Maximal diameters of the index tumor (IT) and of the whole extent of the tumor (WET) were measured on T2-weighted (T2W) sequences, on dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) T1-weighted (T1W) sequences and on Maximal Intensity Projection (MIP) reconstructions. Agreements with pathological size were evaluated using concordance correlation coefficient (k).

RESULTS

Median pathological size of IT was 20mm (13-25 mm, interquartile range). Median pathological size of the WET was 29 mm (16-50mm, interquartile range). Measurement of IT showed a good concordance with pathological size, with best results using T2W (k = 0.690) compared to MIP (k = 0.667), early-subtracted DCE frame (k = 0.630) and early-native DCE frame (k = 0.588). IT was visible on T2W in 83.7% and accurately measured within 5mm in 69.9%. Measurement of WET was superior using early-subtracted DCE frame (k = 0.642) compared to late-native frame (k = 0.635), early-native frame (k = 0.631), late-subtracted frame (k = 0.620) and MIP (k = 0.565). However, even using early-subtracted frame, WET was accurately measured within 5mm only 39.3%.

CONCLUSION

If visible, IT size is best measured on T2W with a good accuracy (69%) whereas WET is best estimated on early-subtracted DCE frame. However, when adjacent additional sites exist around IT, suspected surrounding disease components need to be proved by pathological analysis.

Incidence of pre- and postoperative urinary dysfunction associated with deep infiltrating endometriosis: relevance of urodynamic tests and therapeutic implications

Although many series have been published on the management of digestive or urinary deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), few data exist on pre- and postoperative urinary dysfunction (UD) and urodynamic tests. Hence, the objective of this review was to evaluate the pre- and postoperative incidence of UD and the contribution of urodynamic tests as well as their therapeutic implications. Studies published between January 1995 and April 2012, available in the databases Medline, Embase or the Cochrane Library and responding to a key word algorithm were selected. Studies were classified according to their level of evidence in the Canadian Task Force classification. Sixty-three studies were included in this review. The incidence of preoperative UD is unknown in patients with DIE without colorectal involvement but ranges from 2% to 48% in patients with colorectal endometriosis. About half of all the patients had abnormal urodynamic test results. DIE surgery is associated with a risk of urinary dysfunction mainly corresponding to de novo voiding dysfunction in 1.4% to 29.2% of cases with a mean value of 4.8%. The rate of persistent voiding dysfunction ranges from 0 to 14.7% with a mean value of 4.6%. Risk factors of postoperative UD are the need for partial colpectomy, parametrectomy and patients requiring colo-anal anastomosis. For patients with urinary tract endometriosis, the incidence of preoperative UD is comprised between 24.4% and 79.2% with a rate of postoperative voiding dysfunction ranging from 0% to 16.9% with a mean value of 11.1%. Prevention of postoperative UD is based on nerve-sparing surgery. Treatment of voiding dysfunction requires self-catheterization. There is a lack of data on medical treatment and surgical techniques to manage postoperative UD. More effort needs to be made to detect preoperative UD associated with DIE. Preoperative evaluation by urodynamic tests and possibly electrophysiology could be of interest especially in patients with risk factors. The current review underlines the difficulties of establishing clear recommendations due to heterogeneity of the studies and the absence of a consensual definition of UD.

Value of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for tissue characterization of ovarian teratomas: correlation with histopathology

AIM

To analyse the value of double contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in addition to conventional MRI to characterize ovarian teratomas subtypes with histological correlation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2005 to December 2008, 38 women undergoing MRI and subsequent resection of ovarian teratomas were identified [40 mature cystic teratomas (MCT), two struma ovarii, three immature teratomas]. MRI images were analysed blindly by two radiologists according to morphological and vascular abnormalities. An experienced histopathologist reviewed all slides to determine the presence and histological composition of Rokitansky protuberances.

RESULTS

Thirty-one MCT (77%) had at least one small, regular Rokitansky protuberance presenting at an acute angle with the cyst wall. Ten out of 31 MCT did not display any enhancement on contrast-enhanced MRI related to sebaceous glands, adipose lobules, keratin, and pilosebaceous adnexa at histology. Three different time-intensity curve (TIC), types 1, 2, and 3, were related to presence of smooth muscular cells and fibrous, neuroglial, or thyroid tissue, respectively, found at histology of MCT. Type 3 TIC was also present in one struma ovarii and two immature teratomas.

CONCLUSION

TIC types are related to the specific content of the solid tissue of ovarian teratomas but cannot be used to differentiate benign and malignant ovarian teratomas.

Clinical practice guidelines on menorrhagia: management of abnormal uterine bleeding before menopause

BACKGROUND

Normal menstrual periods last 3-6 days and involve blood loss of up to 80ml. Menorrhagia is defined as menstrual periods lasting more than 7 days and/or involving blood loss greater than 80ml. The prevalence of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is estimated at 11-13% in the general population and increases with age, reaching 24% in those aged 36-40 years.

INVESTIGATION

A blood count for red cells+platelets to test for anemia is recommended on a first-line basis for women consulting for AUB whose history and/or bleeding score justify it. A pregnancy test by an hCG assay should be ordered. A speculum examination and Pap smear, according to the French High Health Authority guidelines should be performed early on to rule out any cervical disease. Pelvic ultrasound, both abdominal (suprapubic) and transvaginal, is recommended as a first-line procedure for the etiological diagnosis of AUB. Hysteroscopy or hysterosonography can be suggested as a second-line procedure. MRI is not recommended as a first-line procedure.

TREATMENT

In idiopathic AUB, the first-line treatment is medical, with efficacy ranked as follows: levonorgestrel IUD, tranexamic acid, oral contraceptives, either estrogens and progestins or synthetic progestins only, 21 days a month, or NSAIDs. When hormone treatment is contraindicated or immediate pregnancy is desired, tranexamic acid is indicated. Iron must be included for patients with iron-deficiency anemia. For women who do not wish to become pregnant in the future and who have idiopathic AUB, the long-term efficacy of conservative surgical treatment is greater than that of oral medical treatment. Placement of a levonorgestrel IUD (or administration of tranexamic acid by default) is recommended for women with idiopathic AUB. If this fails, a conservative surgical technique must be proposed; the choices include second-generation endometrial ablation techniques (thermal balloon, microwave, radiofrequency), or, if necessary, first-generation techniques (endometrectomy, roller-ball). A first-line hysterectomy is not recommended in this context. Should a hysterectomy be selected for functional bleeding, it should be performed by the vaginal or laparoscopic routes.

[Diagnostic imaging of menometrorrhagia]

Menometrorrhagia is a frequent cause of medical consulting. After a clinical examination showing the uterine origin of bleeding and that excludes a cervical or vulvo-vaginal origin, transvaginal sonography (TVS) represents the first-line technique examination. TVS allows to identify endometrial diseases (atrophy, polyps or diffuse hyperplasia), endometrial carcinoma, myometrial disorders (adenomyosis, leiomyoma or vascular abnormalities), and adnexal disorders. Color Doppler sonography and hysterosonography are useful complementary tools for ultrasound performance improvement. MR imaging should be performed if TVS is not contributive or is highly recommended for staging of uterine cancers. All these techniques provide useful information for optimal planning treatment.

[Relevance of quality of life questionnaires in women with endometriosis]

High recurrence rates have been reported in women treated for endometriosis despite advances in medical and surgical treatments improving both fertility and symptoms. It should therefore be considered a chronic disorder. In this particular setting, the main objectives for practitioners are to limit disease progression, recurrence and to improve quality of life (QOL). Previous studies have demonstrated a relation between an increase in pain intensity and a decrease in QOL. However, visual analogue scales to measure general well-being are insufficient to quantify the impact of endometriosis on QOL. Several generic questionnaires, mainly the SF-36, are available in various languages but are not specific of women with endometriosis. Some specific questionnaires are available but have been validated in English population for the most part rending comparison between countries difficult. Despite these limits, QOL should be systematically monitored over time by a validated questionnaire for this chronic disorder and could be a criterion for therapeutic strategy.

Use of the SF-36 questionnaire to predict quality-of-life improvement after laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis can improve quality of life (QOL), but the results vary widely from one woman to another. The aim of this study was to determine whether the preoperative results on the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) subscales of the SF-36 questionnaire could predict the improvement in QOL after surgery.

METHODS

The predictive value of the subscales was first evaluated on a training set of 57 patients. A mathematical model, quantified with respect to discrimination and calibration was then applied to the validation set of 36 patients.

RESULTS

Women with preoperative PCS and MCS scores below 37.5 and 44.5, respectively, had 80.7% and 84.2% probabilities of seeing their scores improve after surgery, whereas women with preoperative scores above 46.5 and 47.5, respectively, had probabilities of 0% and 10.7% to improve their scores.

CONCLUSIONS

With our mathematical model, the postoperative improvement in QOL can be reliably predicted. This model should help to identify those women who are most likely to benefit from this major surgery.

[Imaging of chronic pelvis pain]

This is a review of different diseases implicated in chronic pelvic pain (endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic varices, and pelvic chronic inflammatory disease) assessed by different imaging modalities (US, CT, MRI).

Accuracy of transvaginal sonography and rectal endoscopic sonography in the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis

OBJECTIVES

To compare the accuracy of transvaginal sonography (TVS) and rectal endoscopic sonography (RES) for the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), with respect to surgical and histological findings.

METHODS

This was a longitudinal study of 81 consecutive patients referred for surgical management of DIE, who underwent both TVS and RES preoperatively. The diagnostic criteria were identical for TVS and RES, and were based on visualization of hypoechoic areas in specific locations (uterosacral ligaments, vagina, rectovaginal septum and intestine). We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and accuracy of TVS and RES for the diagnosis of DIE.

RESULTS

Endometriosis was confirmed histologically in 80/81 (98.7%) patients. Endometriomas and DIE were present in 43.2% and 97.5% of the women, respectively. For the diagnosis of DIE overall, TVS and RES, respectively, had a sensitivity of 87.3% and 74.7%, a positive predictive value of 98.6% and 98.3%, and an accuracy of 86.4% and 74%. For the diagnosis of uterosacral endometriosis, they had a sensitivity of 80.8% and 46.6%, a specificity of 75% and 50.0%, a positive predictive value of 96.7% and 89.5% and a negative predictive value of 30% and 9.3%. For the diagnosis of intestinal endometriosis, they had a sensitivity of 92.6% and 88.9%, a specificity of 100% and 92.6%, a positive predictive value of 100% and 96% and a negative predictive value of 87% and 80.6%.

CONCLUSION

TVS is apparently more accurate than is RES for predicting DIE in specific locations, and should thus be the first-line imaging technique in this setting.

[Assessment of the urinary side effects after surgery for deep pelvic endometriosis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the urinary side effects after laparoscopic surgery for deep endometriosis.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Longitudinal study including 86 patients operated for deep pelvic endometriosis : 58 (68%) with colorectal endometriosis, 21 (24%) with utero-sacral ligament endometriosis and 7 (8%) with recto-vaginal septum endometriosis. Assessment of the urinary side effects was permormed using the Bristole Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom questionnaire.

RESULTS

On postsurgical follow-up, almost all patients described: hesistancy (p = 0.02), strain to start (p = 0.04), stopping flow (p = 0.01), incomplete emptying (p = 0.008) and reduce stream (p=0.02). Only patients who had resection of both utero-sacral ligaments had significative postsurgical urinary dysfunction with stopping flow (p = 0.02) and incomplete emptying (p = 0.004). Patients with colorectal resection had also significative postsurgical urinary dysfunction with hesitancy (p = 0.02), strain to start (p = 0.03), stopping flow (p = 0.007) and incomplete emptying (p = 0.004). In patients with rectal resection, urinary dysfunctions are raised when rectal resection is associated to resection of both utero-sacral ligaments.

CONCLUSION

Postoperatively, urinary side effects occurred only in patients with segmental colorectal endometriosis resection associated with bilateral utero-sacral ligament resection. Sparing nerve surgery of the pelvic nerves, can reduce these urinary side effects.

Laparoscopic segmental colorectal resection for endometriosis: limits and complications

BACKGROUND

Deep pelvic endometriosis with colorectal involvement is a complex disorder often requiring segmental bowel resection. This study investigated the limits and complications of laparoscopic segmental colorectal resection.

METHODS

Laparoscopic segmental colorectal resection was performed for 71 women with bowel endometriosis. Intra- and postoperative complications were evaluated, together with symptom outcomes, by means of questionnaires completed before and after surgery. Surgical procedures and complications were compared between the first part of the study (40 cases, previously published) and the second part (31 cases).

RESULTS

Of the 71 women, 64 (90%) underwent laparoscopic segmental colorectal resection, with 7 requiring laparoconversion. Major complications occurred in nine cases (12.6%), six with rectovaginal fistulae and three with pelvic abscesses. The mean operating time decreased significantly during the study (p < 0.05). The mean follow-up period after colorectal resection was 24.4 +/- 2.2 months. No differences in the rates of laparoconversion or complications were observed between the two periods, whereas major associated surgical procedures were more frequent during the second period. Dysmenorrhea (p < 0.0001), dyspareunia (p = 0.0001), pain at defecation (p = 0.0004), bowel movement pain or cramping (p < 0.0001), lower back pain (p < 0.0001), and asthenia (p < 0.0001) were improved after the operation, with no difference between the study periods.

CONCLUSION

This large series confirms the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic segmental colorectal resection. However, women must be informed of the risk for potentially severe complications.

[Endometriosis imaging]

Pelvic endometriosis primarily affects the ovaries, pelvic peritoneum, utero-sacral ligaments, Douglas pouch, vagina, rectum and bladder. Clinical assessment is difficult, and imaging proves necessary to determine location and extent of the disease. We review pelvic endometriosis with regards to imaging modalities: technical considerations, imaging patterns, diagnostic performance and respective place of ultrasound and MRI.

Uro-retroperitoneum after ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicle puncture in an oocyte donor: a case report

Ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicle aspiration is the standard technique for oocyte retrieval prior to IVF. Complications are rare, but some are potentially serious. We report a case of ureteral injury with acute-onset uro-retroperitoneum in a volunteer oocyte donor. The patient recovered rapidly after ureteral stenting. This case underlines the need for all candidate oocyte donors to receive proper information on serious procedure-related complications.

Embolisation utérine pour fibrome sous-muqueux : une mauvaise alternative à la chirurgie ?

A case of septic expulsion of a leiomyoma is reported 18 weeks after uterine artery embolisation (UAE). The patient underwent UAE for a symptomatic sub-mucous leiomyoma (type 2) of 5 cm. She was feverish and presented pelvic pain and purulent vaginal discharges. Vaginal examination revealed a necrotic mass prolapsed through the cervix that was carefully twisted out. Histopathologic examination showed extensive necrosis of the myomatous tissue. Microbiologic cultures showed heavy growth of Escherichia coli. Such findings challenge the interest and the safety of UAE for sub-mucous fibroids. Our case report stresses that uterine artery embolisation for submucous fibroids does not constitute, because of its risks, an alternative to conventional surgical treatment represented mainly by hysteroscopic resection.

[Laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis: preliminary results]

OBJECTIVE

Colorectal endometriosis is source of chronic pelvic pain greatly affecting quality-of-life. Colorectal resection is indicated after failure of medical treatment. Few data are available on complications and functional results after laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis. Therefore, the aims of this prospective study were to evaluate the feasibility, peri-operative complications and functional results of laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 2001 to March 2003, 32 consecutive women with clinically-suspected colorectal endometriosis confirmed by MR imaging and rectal endoscopic sonography were included in this prospective study.

RESULTS

Conversion to open surgery was required for four of the 32 women (12.5%). Mean operating time was 6 hours (range 4 to 13). Associated surgical procedures were: adhesiolysis (n=24), ureteral lysis (n=19), ovarian cystectomy (n=11), and hysterectomy (n=4). Mean blood loss was 2.4 g/dl (range: 0 to 8.6). Blood transfusion was required in 6 women including two who underwent laparoconversion. Two rectovaginal fistulae (6.3%) occurred requiring a colostomy. Urinary retention was noted in 6 women (15.6%).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic colorectal resection for endometriosis is feasible and is associated with a significant improvement of symptoms. However, the benefit of this procedure has to be weighed against the high morbidity.

Valeurs diagnostiques de l’échographie et de l’IRM pour l’évaluation de l’endométriose pelvienne profonde

Deep pelvic endometriosis may involve the uterosacral ligaments, cul-de-sac of Douglas, vagina, rectum, and occasionally the bladder. Evaluation by physical examination is difficult, and imaging techniques are needed to evaluate the location and extent of endometriosis. In this review, we review the transvaginal and transrectal sonographic and MR imaging features suggestive of deep pelvic endometriosis and their diagnostic value.

Intérêt de l'IRM associée à l'échographie pour la caractérisation des masses annexielles persistantes au cours de la grossesse : à propos de neuf cas

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the accuracy of MR imaging combined with sonography for the diagnosis of persistent adnexal masses during pregnancy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 1999 to November 2003, nine patients with a persistent adnexal masse were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent both transvaginal and transabdominal sonography combined with MR imaging. Accuracy of imaging techniques was evaluated by comparison with histology.

RESULTS

Adnexal masse was detected by systematic sonography in six women whereas three patients were symptomatic. Mean gestational age at the diagnosis was 17 weeks of amenorrhea (range 5-36). Mean tumor size was 96 mm (range 2-15). Two patients underwent a surgery during pregnancy; one for acute abdominal pain related to an adnexal torsion and the second for suspicion of malignancy. One patient underwent a caesarean delivery for obstetrical reasons. In all patients, benign ovarian tumours were found. For eight patients the diagnosis suspected by imaging techniques was confirmed by histology.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The combination of sonography and MR imaging allows diagnosing accurately adnexal masses during pregnancy.

Diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal sonography for deep pelvic endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the accuracy of transvaginal sonography (TVS) for the diagnosis of deep pelvic endometriosis.

METHODS

In a prospective study, 142 women with clinical signs of endometriosis underwent TVS followed by surgical and histopathological investigations. The presence and extent of endometriosis involving the uterosacral ligaments, vagina, rectovaginal septum, intestines, bladder and ovaries shown by TVS were compared with surgical and histological findings. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and accuracy of TVS for predicting deep pelvic endometriosis were assessed.

RESULTS

Ovarian and deep pelvic endometriosis were found by surgery and histology in respectively 83 (58.5%) and 79 (55.6%) of the 142 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of TVS for the diagnosis of deep pelvic endometriosis were 78.5%, 95.2%, 95.4% and 77.9%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of TVS for endometriotic involvement of the uterosacral ligaments, vagina, rectovaginal septum and intestines were 70.6% and 95.9%, 29.4% and 100%, 28.6% and 99.3%, and 87.2% and 96.8%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of TVS for bladder involvement were 71.4% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

TVS accurately diagnoses intestinal and bladder endometriosis, but is less accurate for uterosacral, vaginal and rectovaginal septum involvement.

Limitations of transvaginal sonography for the diagnosis of adenomyosis, with histopathological correlation

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the accuracy of transabdominal sonography (TAS) and transvaginal sonography (TVS) for the diagnosis of adenomyosis, and to determine the diagnostic relevance of various sonographic criteria.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 129 women scheduled for hysterectomy were enrolled into this prospective study. Group 1 (n = 23) consisted of patients with menometrorrhagia who were free of myoma and endometrial disorders on TAS. Group 2 consisted of all the other patients (n = 106). TAS and TVS findings were compared to histopathological results.

RESULTS

The prevalence of adenomyosis in Groups 1 and 2 was 91.3% and 24.5%, respectively. TAS had limited value for the diagnosis of adenomyosis in both groups. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of TVS in Groups 1 and 2 were 80.9% and 38.4%, 100% and 97.5%, 100% and 83.3%, and 40% and 82.9%, respectively. The accuracy of combined TAS and TVS in Groups 1 and 2 was 91.3% and 83%, respectively. The presence of myometrial cysts was the most specific ultrasound diagnostic criterion for adenomyosis. Hypoechoic linear myometrial striations related to the presence of myometrial hypertrophy correlated to hormonal status with a sensitivity of 66.6% and a specificity of 100% in Group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that TAS has a limited diagnostic capacity for adenomyosis but also that TVS alone was poor in patients with an enlarged uterus. In these cases a combination of TVS and TAS should be used.

[Imaging of myomas: is preoperative MRI usefull?]

Leiomyomas are the most common uterine neoplasms. Leiomyomas classified as intramural, submucosal, or subserosal are usually associated with various types of degeneration. The diagnosis and the treatment of leiomyomas vary among these subtypes of leiomyomas. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most accurate imaging technique for detection, localization, and characterization of myomas. The differential diagnosis at MR imaging includes adenomyosis and solid adnexal masses. Despite its relatively high cost, MR imaging is a very useful procedure which can assist preoperative planning.