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Scioscia M, Virgilio BA, Laganà AS, Bernardini T, Fattizzi N, Neri M, Guerriero S. Differential Diagnosis of Endometriosis by Ultrasound: A Rising Challenge. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10100848. [PMID: 33092074 PMCID: PMC7589178 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10100848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound is an effective tool to detect and characterize endometriosis lesions. Variances in endometriosis lesions’ appearance and distorted anatomy secondary to adhesions and fibrosis present as major difficulties during the complete sonographic evaluation of pelvic endometriosis. Currently, differential diagnosis of endometriosis to distinguish it from other diseases represents the hardest challenge and affects subsequent treatment. Several gynecological and non-gynecological conditions can mimic deep-infiltrating endometriosis. For example, abdominopelvic endometriosis may present as atypical lesions by ultrasound. Here, we present an overview of benign and malignant diseases that may resemble endometriosis of the internal genitalia, bowels, bladder, ureter, peritoneum, retroperitoneum, as well as less common locations. An accurate diagnosis of endometriosis has significant clinical impact and is important for appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Scioscia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Policlinico Hospital, 35031 Abano Terme, PD, Italy; (M.S.); (B.A.V.); (T.B.); (N.F.)
| | - Bruna A. Virgilio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Policlinico Hospital, 35031 Abano Terme, PD, Italy; (M.S.); (B.A.V.); (T.B.); (N.F.)
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Filippo Del Ponte” Hospital, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, VA, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Tommaso Bernardini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Policlinico Hospital, 35031 Abano Terme, PD, Italy; (M.S.); (B.A.V.); (T.B.); (N.F.)
| | - Nicola Fattizzi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Policlinico Hospital, 35031 Abano Terme, PD, Italy; (M.S.); (B.A.V.); (T.B.); (N.F.)
| | - Manuela Neri
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, CA, Italy; (M.N.); (S.G.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Policlinico Universitario Duilio Casula, 09045 Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Stefano Guerriero
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, CA, Italy; (M.N.); (S.G.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Policlinico Universitario Duilio Casula, 09045 Monserrato, CA, Italy
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