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

A double network composite hydrogel with enhanced transdermal delivery by ultrasound for endometrial injury repair and fertility recovery

Endometrial injury and resulting female infertility pose significant clinical challenges due to the notable shortcomings of traditional treatments. Herein, we proposed a double network composite hydrogel, CSMA-RC-Zn-PNS, which forms a physical barrier on damaged tissue through photo-crosslinking while enabling sustained release of the active ingredient PNS. Based on this, we developed a combined strategy to enhance transdermal delivery efficiency using ultrasound cavitation. In vitro experiments demonstrated that CSMA-RC-Zn-PNS exhibits excellent biosafety, biodegradability, and promotes cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation, along with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. In a rat endometrial injury model, the ultrasound cavitation effect was demonstrated to enhance transdermal delivery efficiency, and the ability of CSMA-RC-Zn-PNS to promote endometrial regeneration, anti-fibrosis and fertility restoration was verified. Overall, this strategy combining CSMA-RC-Zn-PNS hydrogel and ultrasound treatment shows promising applications in endometrial regeneration and female reproductive health.

Development and Validation an AI Model to Improve the Diagnosis of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis for Junior Sonologists

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop and validate an artificial intelligence (AI) model based on ultrasound (US) videos and images to improve the performance of junior sonologists in detecting deep infiltrating endometriosis (DE).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, data were collected from female patients who underwent US examinations and had DE. The US image records were divided into two parts. First, during the model development phase, an AI-DE model was trained employing YOLOv8 to detect pelvic DE nodules. Subsequently, its clinical applicability was evaluated by comparing the diagnostic performance of junior sonologists with and without AI-model assistance.

RESULTS

The AI-DE model was trained using 248 images, which demonstrated high performance, with a mAP50 (mean Average Precision at IoU threshold 0.5) of 0.9779 on the test set. Total 147 images were used for evaluate the diagnostic performance. The diagnostic performance of junior sonologists improved with the assistance of the AI-DE model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve improved from 0.748 (95% CI, 0.624-0.867) to 0.878 (95% CI, 0.792-0.964; p < 0.0001) for junior sonologist A, and from 0.713 (95% CI, 0.592-0.835) to 0.798 (95% CI, 0.677-0.919; p < 0.0001) for junior sonologist B. Notably, the sensitivity of both sonologists increased significantly, with the largest increase from 77.42% to 94.35%.

CONCLUSION

The AI-DE model based on US images showed good performance in DE detection and significantly improved the diagnostic performance of junior sonologists.

Pilot Clinical and Radiomic Analysis of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis of the Parametrium Using Shannon Entropy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Ultrasound techniques for diagnosing deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) currently lack a quantitative method to assess microstructural heterogeneity in relation to diagnosis and clinical symptoms. This study evaluates Shannon entropy-based radiomics for differentiating DIE lesions from adjacent tissue and correlating these features with pain severity.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study (2020-2024), fertile women with histologically confirmed parametrial endometriosis and high-quality ultrasound images were evaluated. Pain was measured using a 10-cm visual analog scale. Two 25 mm² regions of interest (ROIs) were defined: one within the DIE nodule and one in the adjacent perilesional tissue. Each ROI was analyzed with the Shannon entropy algorithm to assess tissue heterogeneity.

RESULTS

In this study, 148/663 women (22.3%) were diagnosed with parametrial DIE, of whom 52 underwent surgery and were included in the study. DIE was localized in 92.3% in the posterior, in 5.8% in both posterior and anterior, and in 2% in the anterior parametrium. Primary symptoms were menstrual pain (88%) and pain at intercourse (63%). ROI entropy of DIE lesion was lower than that of the perilesional ROI (p = 0.05). The area-under-the-curve (AUC) of Shannon entropy for endometriotic vs. adjacent tissue was 91.36% (95% CI: 84.5%-98.21%). The ROI entropy of the DIE lesion exhibited an inverse correlation with menstrual pain (rho -0.46, CI 95% -0.74/-0.12, p = 0.025), and that of perilesional tissue with chronic pelvic pain (rho -0.41, 95% CI -0.73/- 0.04; p = 0.072).

CONCLUSION

Entropy analysis distinguishes DIE lesion from perilesional tissue and significantly correlates with menstrual pain.

ESUR consensus MRI for endometriosis: protocol, lexicon, and compartment-based analysis

OBJECTIVE

To propose an update of ESUR endometriosis guidelines to reflect advances in MRI protocol and lexicon.

METHODS

A literature search was followed by a DELPHI process among 20 experts.

RESULTS

Pre-imaging preparation, including fasting, antiperistaltic agents, moderate bladder filling, and bowel preparation, is recommended. A comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol should include multiplanar T2W, T1W, and sequences covering the kidneys. Superficial endometriosis should be described on T1WFS as high signal intensity foci on the peritoneal surface. Endometriomas should be described in terms of multiplicity, signal intensity, central or peripheral location, and bilaterality. MRI evaluation of deep pelvic endometriosis (DE) should be performed by dividing the pelvis into compartments using two horizontal and vertical lines. A bladder nodule should be described according to location, size, and the distance to the ureteric orifice provided. A uterosacral ligament must be considered abnormal if a nodule or spiculation is visible in at least two planes or if a bright T1W spot is detected. A posterior vaginal wall nodule should be measured. External adenomyosis should be described according to location and size. The description of a rectosigmoid nodule includes location, number of nodules, longitudinal extent, distance to the anal verge, and wall thickening. The lateral compartment includes the anterior distal round ligament, the mediolateral and posterolateral parametrium. Abdominal wall nodules, ileocaecal junction, appendiceal nodules, and sigmoid nodules, must be systematically described.

CONCLUSION

A standardized MRI protocol and lexicon based on compartmental analysis are crucial for improving communication and management of patients referred with endometriosis.

KEY POINTS

Question ESUR's endometriosis guidelines were last published in 2017; an update is provided to reflect advances in MRI techniques and the need for a standardized lexicon. Findings MRI protocol must include multiplanar T2W sequences, a T1W sequence, and a kidney visualization sequence. A standardized report based on a compartmental analysis is recommended. Clinical relevance Using a standard MRI protocol with compartmental analysis of endometriotic nodule locations and adopting a standardized vocabulary is crucial for comprehensive mapping and effective communication with both the patient and the surgeon.

Non-Surgical Options for The Diagnosis of Endometriosis in Low-Resource Settings: A Comparative Study

Purpose

Endometriosis, a chronic estrogen-dependent condition characterized by the implantation of tissue beyond the uterine cavity, impacts 10% of women of reproductive age. Endometriosis manifests through menstrual discomfort, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and cyclical digestive issues. It is additionally linked to infertility. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial but remain limited in many settings. This study aims to identify specific clinical characteristics that could aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.

Patients and Methods

The study conducted at Province General Hospital Margono, Indonesia, involved endometriosis patients who had registered from 2020 to 2024. Some inclusion and exclusion criteria are applied in this study. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the rate, odd ratio and prevalence ratio.

Results

Our analysis indicates that women experiencing dysmenorrhea, particularly with an onset occurring more than three years after menarche, are significantly associated with endometriosis. Dysmenorrhea had nearly 17.5 times higher odds [OR 17.5, 95% CI 4.75-64.4, p-value 0.00] of being correlated with endometriosis, and the onset of dysmenorrhea more than 3 years after menarche had 1.67 times higher [OR 2.790; CI 95%; 1.011-7.698, p-value 0.045] of being associated with endometriosis.

Conclusion

Multiple studies have shown that diagnosing endometriosis early is challenging due to its various symptoms. Our findings highlight the significance of dysmenorrhea characteristics, particularly its onset timing, as potential indicators of endometriosis. This findings suggest that incorporating dysmenorrhea onset into clinical assessments may enhance non-surgical diagnostic approaches, facilitating earlier detection and management of endometriosis.

Ovarian damage following surgery for endometriomas, 20 years later: did awareness improve the situation?

BACKGROUND

Early reports from the beginning of this century highlighted significant ovarian damage following laparoscopic stripping of endometriomas. During the last 2 decades, the raised awareness of the possible detrimental effects of surgery has boosted the attention of surgeons on sparing ovarian reserve. Giving this increased consciousness on this issue, in this real-life study, we aimed to assess whether the surgically-related damage to the ovaries has been reduced over the years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ovarian reserve was assessed by comparing ovarian response during stimulation for IVF in women who previously underwent surgical treatment for unilateral endometriomas. This study design allows intra-patient comparisons, limiting confounders. In addition, this same design was used in the past and allows therefore to compare findings with those obtained 2 decades ago. The primary aim was the frequency of non-response among operated gonads.

RESULTS

One hundred seven female patients with unilateral endometrioma surgery who underwent IVF/ICSI cycles were eligible for the study. The mean ± SD diameter of the excised endometriomas was 46 ± 20 mm. Most women underwent cyst stripping while drainage and ablation was used in only three subjects. The median [IQR] number of follicles in the operated and contralateral gonads was 3 [1-5] and 7 [5-9], respectively (p < 0.001). Absence of follicular growth was observed in 19 operated ovaries (18%, 95% CI 12-26%). The magnitude of the damage remained unchanged, if not worse, when compared to what observed 2 decades ago.

CONCLUSIONS

Ovarian reserve continues to be significantly compromised after surgery for endometriomas. Further research is urgently needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and to refine surgical techniques aimed at minimizing this damage.

Multidimensional Evaluation of Myofascial Pelvic Pain and Other Comorbidities in Endometriosis Patients

Background/Objectives: Pain associated with endometriosis is complex and influenced by multiple factors. The presence of myofascial pelvic pain (MPP), associated comorbidities, and overlapping symptoms may play a role in endometriosis-associated pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate MPP in patients with endometriosis and correlate it with other self-reported comorbidities and symptoms, health-related quality of life, and mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at a tertiary hospital referral center on 175 women with endometriosis. MPP was evaluated by clinical examination; if present, the patient was allocated to the MPP group (n = 84), and if absent, the patient was allocated to the non-MPP group (n = 91). Other comorbidities and symptoms frequently found in patients with chronic pain were also recorded. The Short Form 36-Item health questionnaire (SF-36) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered. Central sensitization-related symptoms were assessed using the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). Results: Patients with MPP showed significantly higher scores related to endometriosis-associated pain, reported lower scores in all domains of the SF-36, and higher scores in the HADS questionnaire. This group also reported more comorbid symptoms and showed higher scores in the CSI questionnaire. In the multivariate analysis, severe non-cyclic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, and CSI ≥ 40 remained significantly associated with the presence of MPP. Conclusions: Endometriosis patients with MPP presented more pain comorbidities and general symptoms. Moreover, they reported more endometriosis-associated pain and worse health-related quality of life, and they may be at higher risk of depression and anxiety.

Pregnancy outcomes in freeze-all versus fresh embryo transfer cycles of women with adenomyosis and endometriosis: a systemic review and meta-analysis

Background

Endometriosis (EMS) and adenomyosis have adverse effects on women's fertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are effective treatments for these diseases. Research has shown that different embryo transfer strategies in IVF/ICSI can influence gestational outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of freeze-all embryo transfer (FET) versus fresh embryo transfer (ET) strategies in IVF/ICSI cycles for infertile women with EMS and adenomyosis.

Method

A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Chinese databases to identify studies examining different embryo transfer strategies in IVF/ICSI cycles among patients with EMS and adenomyosis. The outcomes analyzed included rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects or fixed-effects models.

Results

In patients with EMS, the results demonstrated that the FET strategy yielded higher clinical pregnancy (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.40), live birth rates (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.49), and implantation rates (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.54) compared to the fresh ET strategy. The miscarriage rate (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.52, 1.52) and the ectopic pregnancy rate (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.24, 1.07) were comparable between groups. For the group of women with adenomyosis, the IVF/ICSI outcomes were comparable between the FET and fresh ET strategies.

Conclusion

In IVF/ICSI, the FET strategy has been associated with more favorable reproductive outcomes compared to the fresh ET strategy in women with EMS. Whereas in women with adenomyosis, pregnancy outcomes were comparable between the FET and fresh ET groups.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024563268, identifier CRD42024563268.

Long-term gastrointestinal function outcomes of women undergoing nerve-vessel sparing segmental or full-thickness discoid resection for deep colorectal endometriosis

INTRODUCTION

Patients undergoing colorectal surgery for symptomatic deep endometriosis may experience postoperative impairment of gastrointestinal function. However, there is limited information on long-term follow-up of this surgical sequela. We aimed to analyze 5-year postsurgical outcomes of gastrointestinal function in these patients, reflected by lower anterior resection syndrome (LARS) scores and gastrointestinal quality of life index (GIQLI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective study included patients who either underwent nerve-vessel-sparing segmental resection (NVSSR) or full-thickness discoid resection (FTDR) for symptomatic colorectal deep endometriosis from April 2017 to May 2022 at two tertiary referral centers. As published previously, gastrointestinal function was evaluated by LARS and GIQLI scores pre- and postsurgically (postoperative visit 1) and was now re-evaluated (postoperative visit 2) to gain information on long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Out of 121 patients, 92 were eligible for the final analysis at postoperative visit 2. The mean follow-up interval was 58.5 ± 17.9 months in the NVSSR group and 61.6 ± 10.7 months in the FTDR group. As published previously, presurgical LARS-like symptoms were observed in 42/92 (45.7%) of patients, including 37/76 (48.7%) in the NVSSR group and 5/16 (31.3%) in the FTDR group. Compared to preoperative LARS scores, patients in the NVSSR group showed a significant reduction of LARS scores at long-term postoperative visit 2 (p = <0.001), with LARS scores remaining stable over postoperative visit 1 and visit 2 (p = 0.09) at 5 years postoperatively. In women following FTDR, presurgical and long-term postoperative visit 2 LARS scores remained statistically unchanged (p < 0.73), with worsening of LARS scores between postoperative visit 1 and visit 2 (p = 0.02). In contrast, significant improvement of GIQLI was observed between the preoperative visit and postoperative visit 2 at 5 years follow-up in both NVSSR and FTDR groups (p ≤ 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to presurgical values, long-term gastrointestinal function reflected by LARS scores remains improved following NVSSR, whereas it remains unchanged following FTDR. However, when GIQLI is applied as patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM), patients show permanent, long-term improvement of gastrointestinal function following either NVSSR or FTDR for symptomatic colorectal endometriosis.

Patients with endometriosis in the vagina, bowel, or bladder experience a prolonged diagnostic delay: an observational study

STUDY QUESTION

Do the diagnostic delay and symptoms differ between endometriosis patients with advanced disease, defined as endometriosis involving the vagina, intestine, rectovaginal septum, or bladder (eVIRB), compared to patients without endometriosis in these locations (non-eVIRB)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Patients with advanced endometriosis had a significantly longer diagnostic delay, an earlier onset of symptoms, and more intense pain during menstruation.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Endometriosis patients often experience years of symptoms before diagnosis. Whether there is an association between the length of this diagnostic delay and advanced disease remains unclear. Confirming such an association would underscore the importance of early diagnosis to ensure appropriate treatment, which may reduce the risk of irreversible organ damage and high-risk surgery for patients.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This is an observational cohort study of 129 patients undergoing endometriosis surgery conducted over a 3-year period. The first patient was operated on in November 2019. All patients reported retrospective questionnaire data, and surgeons described surgical findings.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The patients were operated on for predominantly moderate to severe endometriosis at a Tertiary Endometriosis Centre in Denmark. The diagnostic delay was calculated from questionnaire data and related to intraoperative findings. Selected symptoms were compared.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The median diagnostic delay was 5 years. However, the patients with eVIRB (n = 75) experienced a significantly longer median diagnostic delay of 9 years compared to non-eVIRB patients (n = 54), who had a median delay of only 2 years (P = 0.005). The odds ratio of having eVIRB was 5-fold (95% CI 2.18-11.61, P < 0.001) increased if the diagnostic delay exceeded 5 years, and they reported a significantly earlier onset of endometriosis symptoms. Both groups reported numerous pain symptoms, with a significant difference observed only in responses regarding severe period cramps requiring bed rest and use of painkillers. The eVIRB group had used hormones significantly longer and had taken painkillers more regularly due to pelvic pain.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The retrospective data may be affected by recall bias. This study describes associations between a prolonged diagnostic delay and advanced disease, not causality.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This study is the first to describe an association between advanced endometriosis and a prolonged diagnostic delay after adjusting for total years of hormonal use and age at surgery. Future research should concentrate on strategies to achieve earlier diagnosis for patients presenting with this advanced form of the disease, given the potential for severe complications.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Ferring Pharmaceuticals (MiHSN01) and partial funding from The European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (No. 101017562). None of the funders was involved in the study design, data collection, analysis, writing of this paper, or the decision to submit it for publication. H.S.N. reports speakers' fees from Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck Denmark A/S, IBSA Nordic, AstraZeneca, Cook Medical, Gedeon Richter, and Novo Nordisk outside the submitted work. No other conflicts are reported.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Transvaginal Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Endometriosis: Current Practices and Barriers in Australian Sonographers

Introduction/Purpose

The 2016 consensus statement from the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis group (IDEA) outlined a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) approach specific for the sonographic assessment of endometriosis (eTVUS). However, eTVUS remains a nonroutine sonographic examination, and the reasons for this are not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the current performance of eTVUS among Australian sonographers and the barriers and facilitators encountered when learning and implementing eTVUS into routine practice.

Methods

An online cross-sectional survey was disseminated to Australian sonographers. Quantitative and qualitative questions were asked regarding demographic information, eTVUS performance and experiences encountered when learning and implementing eTVUS. Statistical and thematic analyses were performed.

Results

In total, 127 responses were analysed, with 47.8% of respondents performing a full or partial eTVUS routinely. When a gynaecological ultrasound is referred, 18.4% of participants reported performing a full assessment of eTVUS, and 29.8% reported performing a partial assessment of eTVUS. When a partial eTVUS was performed, respondents indicated this mostly included an assessment of the sliding sign (94.6%) and ovarian mobility (97.3%), rather than a search for endometriotic nodules. Only 41.5% of all participants reported confidence in performing eTVUS.The main barriers that limited the uptake of eTVUS were limited supervision/mentors (42.3%), limited reporting of eTVUS (39.6%) and its steep learning curve (38.7%). The main facilitators included sonographers' desire to answer the clinical question for suspected endometriosis (84.0%), external education (38.7%), local department protocols (30.7%) and colleagues who perform eTVUS (30.7%).

Conclusion

While eTVUS, or aspects of it, are being performed in most imaging practices, inconsistency exists for the anatomical structures assessed as part of an eTVUS. Although barriers exist, more education surrounding eTVUS for sonographers, reporting doctors, and referrers could help increase uptake into routine practice.

Identification and validation of a novel machine learning model for predicting severe pelvic endometriosis: A retrospective study

This study aimed to explore potential risk factors for severe endometriosis and to develop a model to predict the risk of severe endometriosis. A total of 308 patients with endometriosis were analyzed. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was performed to identify the potential risk factors for severe endometriosis. Then, we used seven machine learning (ML) algorithms to construct the predictive models. Finally, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) interpretation was performed to evaluate the contributions of each factor to risk prediction. About 59.2% (183/308) of patients were diagnosed with severe endometriosis. The random forest (RF) model performed best in discriminative ability among the seven ML models, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.744. After reducing features according to feature importance rank, an explainable final RF model was established with six features. From the SHAP map, we found that the negative sliding sign had the greatest impact on the diagnostic performance of the RF model. This study provided a personalized risk assessment for the development of severe endometriosis, which may enable early identification of high-risk patients, facilitating timely intervention and optimized treatment strategies.

Multimodality imaging findings in secondary dysmenorrhea

AIM

Dysmenorrhea, characterised by painful menstruation, is a prevalent condition affecting up to 90% of menstruating women, with a significant impact on quality of life and daily functioning. Primary dysmenorrhea occurs without identifiable pelvic pathology as a result of elevated prostaglandins and leukotrienes resulting in uterine contractility and crampy pelvic pain. Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, arises from identifiable pelvic pathology most commonly endometriosis. Other aetiologies include uterine leiomyomas, adenomyosis, congenital Mullerian duct abnormalities and infection. Accurate diagnosis of pathology in secondary dysmenorrhea is vital for effective management, in order to address patient symptoms and improving outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This paper explores the multimodality imaging features associated with secondary dysmenorrhea, emphasising the importance of accurate diagnosis in guiding effective treatment strategies.

RESULTS

Pelvic ultrasound, transabdominal and transvaginal, is typically the first-line imaging investigation due to its accessibility and effectiveness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers improved soft tissue contrast and assessment of extrauterine anatomy, vital for resolving complex clinical challenges. Computed tomography has a more limited role but is extremely useful in the setting of suspected pelvic inflammatory disease.

CONCLUSION

We aim to explore the multimodality imaging findings in secondary dysmenorrhea, to aid accurate diagnosis, allowing for timely intervention and improving health outcomes and quality of life for women.

Advancing endometriosis detection in daily practice: a deep learning-enhanced multi-sequence MRI analytical model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endometriosis affects 5-10% of women of reproductive age. Despite its prevalence, diagnosing endometriosis through imaging remains challenging. Advances in deep learning (DL) are revolutionizing the diagnosis and management of complex medical conditions. This study aims to evaluate DL tools in enhancing the accuracy of multi-sequence MRI-based detection of endometriosis.

METHOD

We gathered a patient cohort from our institutional database, composed of patients with pathologically confirmed endometriosis from 2015 to 2024. We created an age-matched control group that underwent a similar MR protocol without an endometriosis diagnosis. We used sagittal fat-saturated T1-weighted (T1W FS) pre- and post-contrast and T2-weighted (T2W) MRIs. Our dataset was split at the patient level, allocating 12.5% for testing and conducting seven-fold cross-validation on the remainder. Seven abdominal radiologists with experience in endometriosis MRI and complex surgical planning and one women's imaging fellow with specific training in endometriosis MRI reviewed a random selection of images and documented their endometriosis detection.

RESULTS

395 and 356 patients were included in the case and control groups respectively. The final 3D-DenseNet-121 classifier model demonstrated robust performance. Our findings indicated the most accurate predictions were obtained using T2W, T1W FS pre-, and post-contrast images. Using an ensemble technique on the test set resulted in an F1 Score of 0.881, AUROCC of 0.911, sensitivity of 0.976, and specificity of 0.720. Radiologists achieved 84.48% and 87.93% sensitivity without and with AI assistance in detecting endometriosis. The agreement among radiologists in predicting labels for endometriosis was measured as a Fleiss' kappa of 0.5718 without AI assistance and 0.6839 with AI assistance.

CONCLUSION

This study introduced the first DL model to use multi-sequence MRI on a large cohort, showing results equivalent to human detection by trained readers in identifying endometriosis.

Imaging of endometriosis-related infertility

Endometriosis is a common cause of subfertility and infertility through myriad mechanisms. Imaging of endometriosis is critical for its diagnosis, characterization, and treatment. Understanding its imaging appearance, surgical management, and implications for assisted reproductive therapy is essential to providing the most clinically relevant and impactful reports in endometriosis patients. This manuscript will review imaging techniques used to diagnose and characterize endometriosis-related infertility. We will describe relevant imaging findings by anatomic site and review the impact of surgery and ART on its appearance.

Noninvasive Diagnosis of Endometriosis in Adolescents and Young Female Adults: A Systematic Review

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to review the evidence concerning the noninvasive diagnosis of endometriosis in adolescents.

METHODS

A systematic review was written following the SWiM reporting guidelines. The study research was made across three databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) to identify articles about the adolescent population and the diagnosis of endometriosis through noninvasive methods. The search included the keywords "endometriosis," "adolescents," "diagnosis," "ultrasound," and "MRI." Only English-language articles were considered, and those published prior to 2000 were excluded. The established outcomes focused on clinical symptoms, ultrasound (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings suggestive of endometriosis.

RESULTS

We included 26 articles, mostly comprising case series and cross-sectional studies. The pooled analysis involved 2,299 female adolescents (age range 8-25 years old) with clinically suspected, imaged, and/or surgically confirmed endometriosis. The most frequently reported symptom was dysmenorrhea, followed by chronic pelvic pain. Among adolescents clinically suspected of endometriosis undergoing ultrasound (US), 32.8% exhibited at least one sign of endometriosis. Of the 167 patients with ultrasound-diagnosed endometriosis, 48.5% had deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), and 45.5% had an endometrioma detected. Three studies assessed MRI findings, revealing that 49.8% presented with signs of endometriosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain stand out as key symptoms of adolescent endometriosis. Although their diagnostic accuracy varies, US and MRI have emerged as valuable tools for diagnosing the disease. While the US may have limitations, especially in detecting subtle lesions, MRI shows promise, even in cases with normal previous ultrasounds. Early recognition and proactive diagnosis are crucial for improving the management of endometriosis in adolescents.

Bowel Endometriosis: Systematic Approach to Diagnosis with US and MRI

Endometriosis involving the bowel is a severe form of the disease, and the bowel is the most common site of extragenital endometriosis. Surface lesions of the bowel are considered peritoneal disease. Bowel endometriosis (BE) is defined as endometriotic tissue infiltrating the muscularis propria layer of the bowel wall. BE is estimated to affect up to 37% of patients with known deep endometriosis, highlighting its coexistence with genital endometriosis. The rectosigmoid colon is the most common segment of the bowel involved, followed by the distal small bowel. US and MRI are the most common imaging modalities used to detect BE. Depending on which bowel segment is imaged, endometriosis protocols for transvaginal US after bowel preparation with a transabdominal component and MRI and MR enterography are most commonly used. The authors provide a systematic approach to the diagnosis of BE using these imaging modalities. Imaging protocols and techniques for optimization of visualization of the bowel are discussed, the normal bowel wall anatomy with both imaging modalities is described, and the varying degrees of bowel wall involvement in endometriosis are illustrated. The imaging features of infiltration of endometriosis in the bowel muscularis propria are described in detail, along with key imaging findings to be conveyed to surgical colleagues to optimize surgical treatment and decrease complications, thereby improving overall patient outcomes. ©RSNA, 2025 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Twenty-five years of research in endometriosis

Research rarely progresses in a straight line. It is more like an unpredictable front, marked by bursts of brilliance that fade after a few years, sudden breakthroughs, periods of stagnation, rediscoveries of forgotten ideas and occasional setbacks. Endometriosis research is no exception to these dynamics. In this opinion piece, three Generation X researchers who have been dedicated to endometriosis since the early days of their careers reflect on the field's progress over the past 25 years. Their verdict? Not disappointing. In fact, some pivotal strides have been made. The understanding of endometriosis has undergone a dramatic transformation. Hormonal therapies and assisted reproductive technology have emerged as first-line treatments, dethroning the once-central role of surgery. Non-invasive diagnosis of the disease has spread. This shift marks a notable evolution in how the disease is managed. However, high-throughput technologies have failed to deliver transformative insights, and the root causes of the disease remain as elusive as ever. Despite the setbacks, the progress made offers hope and direction.

Human Leukocyte Antigen Haplotypes Predisposing to Celiac Disease in Patients With Endometriosis

PROBLEM

Immunological abnormalities are well recognized in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and the co-existence of endometriosis with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease (CD), along with other systemic immune disorders, is clinically relevant. Recent genetic studies revealed some shared genetic traits associated with the co-occurrence of endometriosis with different gastrointestinal or autoimmune disorders, highlighting common biological pathways. Since class II human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, HLA-DQ2 and -DQ8, show the strongest and best-characterized genetic susceptibility for CD, the present study aims to explore the presence of these haplotypes in non-celiac patients with endometriosis.

METHOD OF STUDY

A group of patients with endometriosis (n = 126) participated in the study and were compared to healthy women (n = 379), as controls. Subjects who were diagnosed with CD or who tested positive for CD antibodies were excluded. All patients and controls were genotyped for HLA haplotypes predisposing to CD (DQ2, DQ8). In the group of endometriosis patients who tested positive for DQ2 and/or DQ8, symptoms were also investigated.

RESULTS

At least one of the HLA-DQ2 and -DQ8 genotypes was detected in 43.3% of non-celiac endometriosis patients (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.11-2.81), whereas 29.5% (p < 0.01) of healthy women presented HLA haplotypes predisposing to CD. In endometriosis patients, no significant difference was shown between positive and negative in terms of endometriosis phenotype, or gynecological, and non-gynecological symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data revealed a significantly greater prevalence of predisposing haplotypes for CD in non-celiac patients with endometriosisthan in healthy subjects, suggesting that a common genetic background may explain the co-occurrence of endometriosis and CD.

Agreement between magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography in deep pelvic endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

Deep pelvic endometriosis is the most common cause of chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Guidelines proposed standardized approaches for the diagnosis of deep pelvic endometriosis with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging; however, knowing the reasons for discrepancy is crucial. We aimed to analyze the agreement between ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging for deep pelvic endometriosis findings and provide potential pitfalls and reasons for discordant findings.

METHODS

The study group consists of consecutive patients with deep pelvic endometriosis diagnosed on pelvic (n=1) or transvaginal ultrasonography (n=34) who underwent noncontrast pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. The agreement between the ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging was assessed using the prevalence and bias-adjusted kappa statistics. Potential pitfalls and reasons for discordant findings were presented.

RESULTS

The study group consisted of 35 patients with deep pelvic endometriosis. The mean age was 39.5±6.2 years. The most common site of involvement was the rectosigmoid colon (n=34, 97.1%), followed by endometrioma/hemorrhagic cyst (n=32, 91.4%). There was a perfect agreement for endometrioma/hemorrhagic cyst (100%), almost perfect agreement for bladder involvement (PABAK=0.886), and moderate agreement for other sites. The number of uterosacral ligament involvement was lower with ultrasonography than with magnetic resonance imaging. However, due to the impact of gas signals on magnetic resonance imaging imaging, the number and boundaries of rectosigmoid deep pelvic endometriosis were better defined with ultrasonography.

CONCLUSION

The agreement between ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging for deep pelvic endometriosis findings varies according to the sites of involvement. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are not standalone diagnostic techniques but are complementary to each other. We provided potential diagnostic pitfalls.

Endometriosis imaging in the community setting: implementation of the SRU consensus recommendations on routine pelvic US

Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disorder with a significant burden of morbidity that is often subject to substantial diagnostic delay. While transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) is the first-line imaging tool for symptoms like chronic pelvic pain and infertility, it has limitations in detecting deep endometriosis. In 2024, the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU) issued recommendations to enhance detection by incorporating additional techniques into standard TVUS. This article outlines practical adaptations to improve diagnostic accuracy with minimal extra scan time in community practices. It covers patient selection, stakeholder involvement, training, and quality assurance while addressing implementation challenges. Community ultrasound practices play a key role in early detection, guiding patients toward appropriate care.

Role of Salivary MicroRNA as a Marker of Progesterone Resistance in Endometriosis: Preliminary Results from a Single-Institution Experience

This feasibility study explores the potential of salivary microRNAs (miRNAs) as non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosing endometriosis and assessing treatment response. Almost one-third of patients with endometriosis do not respond to the standard progestin treatment due to various mechanisms of progesterone resistance. MiRNAs, recognized for their stability in body fluids and role in gene regulation, may offer new diagnostic and prognostic opportunities as they are involved in the pathogenic pathways of endometriosis and progesterone resistance. We sequenced salivary miRNAs in three cohorts of patients: control women without endometriosis and patients with endometriosis who responded and did not respond to standard progestin treatment. This aims to identify the differential miRNA expression profiles associated with therapeutic response to dienogest. The preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of miRNA sequencing from saliva and reveal distinct miRNA profiles between responders, non-responders, and controls. Key miRNAs, including mir-3168, the mir-200a family, and mir-93-5p, emerged as potential biomarkers, showing significant differential expression linked to both endometriosis presence and treatment response. Further validation of these findings in larger cohorts could pave the way for miRNA-based diagnostic and prognostic tools, potentially reducing diagnostic delays and personalizing treatment approaches for endometriosis patients, also with new target therapies.

Adolescent endometriosis: clinical insights and imaging considerations

Endometriosis is a gynecologic disorder characterized by endometrial-like tissue in ectopic locations, outside of the uterine cavity. In the adolescent population, the diagnosis of endometriosis is often overlooked as a cause of pelvic pain because of limited awareness by both patients and providers and a tendency to undervalue the complaints of pain by both families and caregivers. Although historically diagnosed by laparoscopy, there has been a shift in recent years towards imaging diagnosis. Transvaginal ultrasound is considered the first-line imaging technique for endometriosis in the adult population; however, this minimally invasive procedure is commonly avoided in adolescents, with MRI often used instead. Here, we discuss the clinical presentation and imaging considerations and treatment options involved in adolescents with suspected endometriosis.

Long-term follow-up of the effect of oral dienogest and dienogest/ethinylestradiol treatment on cell-free DNA levels in patients with deep endometriosis

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is currently considered a systemic inflammatory disease and different non-invasive inflammatory markers, such as cell-free DNA (cfDNA), have recently been evaluated. Hormonal treatments are frequently prescribed as first-line treatments to improve symptoms, reduce lesions and improve the quality of life of patients with endometriosis. The most frequently used hormonal treatments are estroprogestins and progestins due to their effectiveness and well-tolerated clinical profile. However, the impact these hormonal treatments may have on these markers has yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to assess whether cfDNA levels are modified under the two main first-line hormonal treatments in patients with deep endometriosis (DE).

METHODS

Ninety patients diagnosed with DE were analyzed in this prospective, observational study. Forty-five received daily oral treatment with dienogest 2 mg, and 45 with 2 mg dienogest/30 μg ethinylestradiol. Plasma cfDNA levels were evaluated by fluorescent assay prior to initiation of treatment and at 6 and 12 months of treatment.

RESULTS

An increase in cfDNA levels was observed during the follow-up at 6 and 12 months. However, these higher levels were only statistically significant at 12 months of treatment. The increase of cfDNA levels was similar with both treatments.

CONCLUSION

Higher cfDNA levels were observed in DE patients at 12 months of oral hormonal treatment showing similar results with dienogest or dienogest/ethinylestradiol. This increase could be explained by apoptosis of the endometriosis foci due to the treatment.

Biomarkers of endometriosis

Endometriosis represents a diverse disease characterized by three distinct phenotypes: superficial peritoneal lesions, ovarian endometriomas, and deep infiltrating endometriosis. The most widely accepted pathophysiological hypothesis for endometriosis is rooted in retrograde menstruation, a phenomenon observed in most patients. Endometriosis is closely linked to infertility, but having endometriosis does not necessarily imply infertility. The disease can impact fertility through various mechanisms affecting the pelvic cavity, ovaries, and the uterus itself. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) indeed represent a fascinating and essential component of the regulatory machinery within cells. Discovered in the early 1990s, miRNAs have since been identified as critical players in gene expression control. Unfortunately, ovarian endometrioma is a common gynecologic disorder for which specific serum markers are currently lacking. Some have examined urocortin for its ability to differentiate endometriomas from other benign ovarian cysts. Another potential marker, Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125) is a well-established indicator for epithelial cell ovarian cancer and its levels can be elevated in conditions such as endometriosis. CA-125 is derived from coelomic epithelia, including the endometrium, fallopian tube, ovary, and peritoneum. In this review we examine the pathophysiologic basis for endometriosis and highlight potential markers to more fully characterize the underlying biochemical processes linked to this multifaceted disease state.

Endometriosis and Infertility: Gynecological Examination Practical Guide

Endometriosis, a prevalent gynecological condition affecting 10-15% of reproductive-age women, involves the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. This chronic inflammatory disease can significantly impact fertility by disrupting ovulation, tubal transport, and implantation. Clinical manifestations vary widely, ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia. Accurate diagnosis remains challenging, often requiring a combination of patient history, clinical examination, and imaging studies. This paper will discuss the clinical approach to endometriosis during a first-line gynecological appointment, focusing on patient history, including detailed assessment of menstrual, pelvic, and bowel symptoms, and clinical examination; thorough gynecological examination, including abdominal and pelvic palpation, speculum examination, and bimanual examination; imaging evaluation (particularly of the role of ultrasound in identifying and characterizing endometriotic lesions, including the use of the #ENZIAN classification for deep infiltrating endometriosis and evaluation of fertility impact); and discussion of the Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI) as a tool for assessing fertility potential. This comprehensive approach aims to guide clinicians in identifying and managing endometriosis effectively, improving patient outcomes and optimizing fertility management strategies. Methods: A literature search for suitable articles published from January 1974 to 2024 in the English language was performed using PubMed. Results: Endometriosis is associated with infertility rates ranging from 20% to 68%, with mechanisms including pelvic adhesions, chronic inflammation, and immune dysregulation. The revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (rASRM) classification and #ENZIAN classification were identified as essential tools for staging and characterizing the disease. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for deep infiltrating endometriosis, with a sensitivity of up to 96% and specificity of 99%. EFI emerged as a valuable predictor of natural conception post-surgery. Additionally, the review underscores the frequent co-occurrence of adenomyosis in women with endometriosis, which may further compromise fertility. Despite advancements in imaging techniques and classification systems, the variability in symptom presentation and disease progression continues to challenge early diagnosis and effective management. Conclusions: Endometriosis is a prevalent gynecological condition affecting women of reproductive age and is associated with infertility. This paper describes the diagnostic approach to endometriosis during a first-line gynecological appointment, focusing on clinical history, physical examination, and the role of imaging, particularly ultrasound, in identifying and characterizing endometriosis lesions. The adoption of standardized classification systems such as #ENZIAN and EFI enhances disease staging and fertility prognosis, allowing for tailored treatment strategies. Despite improvements in non-invasive diagnostic methods, challenges persist in correlating symptom severity with disease extent, necessitating continued research into biomarkers and novel imaging techniques. Additionally, the frequent coexistence of adenomyosis further complicates fertility outcomes, underscoring the need for comprehensive management strategies. Further research is needed to enhance early detection strategies and optimize fertility preservation techniques for affected women.

Evaluation of Long-COVID Syndrome in a Cohort of Patients with Endometriosis or Adenomyosis

Background: Long-COVID is characterized by the persistency of COVID-19 symptoms beyond 12 weeks, and it is probably consequent to immune dysregulation induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Immune dysregulation is associated with and probably involved in the pathogenesis of chronic gynecological conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis. This study evaluated whether the presence of endometriosis or adenomyosis increases the risk of long-COVID, i.e., the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms beyond 12 weeks since infection. Methods: This retrospective observational study was performed at the outpatient service for endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain, at a university hospital. The diagnosis of endometriosis/adenomyosis was primarily based on clinical symptoms and ultrasonography assessment. Data regarding infection, vaccination, symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and their persistence for a minimum of 12 weeks were collected. Results: This study included 247 women, 149 controls without and 98 cases with endometriosis/adenomyosis. Among these, 194 (116 controls and 78 cases) had suffered from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Rates of infection and vaccination were similar in the two groups. The distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was uniform across the two cohorts. COVID-19 patients with endometriosis or adenomyosis exhibited a higher prevalence (p < 0.001) of dyspnea and chest pain. The prevalence of long-COVID beyond 12 weeks was higher in cases than controls (42% vs. 12%; p < 0.001) with chest pain (p < 0.001) and ageusia (p < 0.05), forming the most representative symptoms. Conclusions: Symptoms of long-COVID are more frequent in women with than without endometriosis/adenomyosis.

Conservative endometrioma surgery: The combined technique versus CO2-laser vaporization only (BLAST: Belgium LAser STudy): Clinical protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The surgical management of endometrioma(s) remains challenging. Although laparoscopic surgery is a well-established treatment of endometrioma(s), caution is required to minimize ovarian damage. Several surgical techniques have been described to treat endometrioma(s): classical cystectomy, ablative techniques, or a combination of both. As cystectomy is strongly associated with a reduction in ovarian reserve, this randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to determine to what extent the two other surgical procedures may affect ovarian reserve by comparing changes in serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels concentrations after each type of surgery.

METHODS

This is a multicenter, non-blinded, RCT with parallel groups (group 1 (combined technique) versus group 2 (CO2 laser vaporization only)) and allocation 1:1. Four Belgian centers will be involved. Main inclusion criteria are symptomatic patients (pain and/or infertility), 18-40 years (both inclusive) with an endometriotic cyst (mean diameter of ≥ 2.5 cm and ≤ 8 cm) and AMH level ≥ 0.7 ng/mL. Suspicion of malignancy, a contralateral endometrioma of > 2 cm, use of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues around timing of surgery or previous oophorectomy are exclusion criteria. The primary aim is the evaluation of the difference in serum AMH levels between baseline and 3 months postoperatively (or delta AMH). The secondary outcomes include differences in AMH levels at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, cyst recurrence rate, evolution of pain pattern and fertility outcomes.

DISCUSSION

The present study will help us to answer the question on which surgical technique for endometrioma(s) has the most favorable outcome in patients wishing to preserve their reproductive potential.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04151433. Registered on November 5th, 2019.

Standardized measurement of the piriformis muscle and the proximal portion of the sacral nerve roots using transvaginal ultrasound

To identify the sonomorphological appearance and to measure the thickness of the piriformis muscle (PM) and the proximal portion of the sacral nerve roots S1-S3 in healthy premenopausal women.This prospective multicentric observational study included a consecutive series of women undergoing transvaginal sonography (TVS) at 2 tertiary gynecological referral centers. Standardized assessment of the pelvic organs was performed, followed by an attempt to visualize the right and left PM and sacral nerve roots S1-S3 at their origin in proximity to the sacral neuroforamen. Visualization rates, diameters of the muscle and nerve thickness, and the time needed to identify the PM were recorded.305 patients were included in the study. In 293 women (96.1%), the PM was identified bilaterally. The median diameter of the PM was 18.3mm on the right side and 18.4mm on the left side. S1 nerve roots were successfully identified bilaterally in 224 (73.4%) patients. Their right and left median diameters were 4.8mm. Both S2 nerves were successfully identified in 215 (70.5%) patients. Their median diameter were 4.3mm on both sides. S3 nerve roots were successfully identified in 203 (66.6%) patients. Their median diameter were 3.2mm on both sides.We describe methods which allow consistent and rapid identification of the PM and the S1-S3 sacral nerve roots using TVS. Visualization of the PM and the proximal portion of the sacral plexus may be useful regarding identification of pathological changes in PM thickness and could help to distinguish perineural cysts from other gynecological pathologies.

The Development and Validation of a Patient Questionnaire Tool for the Assessment of Patient-Reported Experiences With Endometriosis Ultrasound

OBJECTIVES

Endometriosis ultrasound is an accurate, cost-effective, and non-invasive diagnostic tool that can help improve the diagnostic delay that patients with endometriosis experience. As an emerging diagnostic method, the perspectives of patients undergoing endometriosis ultrasound remain unexplored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop and validate an assessment tool that evaluates patient-reported experiences with endometriosis ultrasound as a decision-making tool.

METHODS

This was a 2-part study with the first phase involving a modified Delphi consensus process including a panel of clinicians, sonologists, researchers, and a patient with lived experience of endometriosis. Pre- and post-ultrasound patient questionnaires were subsequently developed. The second phase included validating the questionnaires via a prospective cross-sectional survey study carried out at the Endometriosis Clinic at McMaster University Medical Centre in Hamilton, Canada. Data were analyzed using measures of central tendency, chi-square test, and Fisher exact test as appropriate. Statistical significance was determined by 2-sided P values less than 0.05.

RESULTS

Pre- and post-ultrasound questionnaires were developed comprising 8 and 10 questions, respectively. Of 46 respondents, there was a similar representation of patients with an abnormal endometriosis ultrasound (58.7% of patients, n = 27) and those with a normal endometriosis ultrasound (41.3 %, n = 19). Moreover, endometriosis ultrasound results helped most participants (84.8%, n = 39) with treatment decision-making.

CONCLUSIONS

This study validates a survey tool that can be used clinically to assess patient-reported experiences with endometriosis ultrasound. It also demonstrates the highly informative nature of endometriosis ultrasound, with many patients choosing to defer more invasive diagnostic methods (i.e., surgery).

Adenomyosis: A potential cause of surgical failure in treating dyspareunia in rectovaginal septum endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

Dyspareunia can severely impact the quality of life of patients with endometriosis. This symptom is often linked to a specific form of deep infiltrating endometriosis, such as rectovaginal septum endometriosis. Despite the radicality of surgery, persistence and recurrence of symptoms post-surgery are not uncommon. The aim of the present study was to determine whether adenomyosis contributes to the failure of surgical interventions for dyspareunia in these patients.

METHODS

A retrospective single-cohort study was conducted at the at tertiary care gynecologic center of the University Federico II of Naples, using medical records from January 2020 to July 2023. The study included patients who underwent surgery for dyspareunia associated with rectovaginal endometriosis and had a definitive histologic diagnosis. Pain and sexual quality of life were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the sexual quality of life-female (SQoL-F) questionnaire, both before and 6 months after surgery. Patients with isolated rectovaginal endometriosis were compared to those with concurrent adenomyosis.

RESULTS

A total of 94 patients were included: thirty-five in group A (endometriosis with adenomyosis) and 59 in group B (isolated rectovaginal endometriosis). Histology confirmed deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) in all patients. Clinical characteristics such as age, BMI, abnormal uterine bleeding, and infertility, showed no significant differences between the groups. Multiparity was more common in group A (20%) compared to group B (5.1%) (P < 0.001). Pain VAS scores decreased significantly in both groups: from 7.11 to 5.40 in group A and from 7.34 to 3.31 in group B (both P < 0.001). Sexual quality of life (SQoL) scores improved significantly: from 42 to 57 in group A and from 41 to 66 in group B (both P < 0.001). Patients in group B showed a more significant improvement. Adjusted linear regression showed no significant association between parity and the severity of dyspareunia or sexual quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Adenomyosis appears to reduce the effectiveness of surgical treatment for dyspareunia in patients with rectovaginal septum endometriosis. Comprehensive preoperative screening for adenomyosis is recommended to improve surgical outcomes and provide appropriate counseling. Future research should further explore the impact of adenomyosis on dyspareunia and the potential benefits of adjunctive medical therapies.

Impact of deep or ovarian endometriosis on pelvic pain and quality of life: prospective cross-sectional ultrasound study

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether premenopausal women diagnosed with deep or ovarian endometriosis on transvaginal sonography (TVS) were more likely to suffer from dyspareunia and pelvic pain symptoms, and have a lower quality of life, compared to women without sonographically diagnosed deep or ovarian endometriosis.

METHODS

This was a prospective, cross-sectional study carried out between February 2019 and October 2020 at the general gynecology clinic at University College London Hospital, London, UK. All premenopausal women aged 18-50 years, who were examined consecutively by a single experienced examiner and underwent a detailed TVS scan, were eligible for inclusion. Pregnant women and those who had received a previous diagnosis of endometriosis or who had experienced a hysterectomy or unilateral/bilateral oophorectomy were excluded. Sonographic findings consistent with deep or ovarian endometriosis were noted. All women completed the British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy pelvic pain questionnaire. The primary outcome was to determine whether women with sonographic evidence of endometriosis were more likely to experience moderate-to-severe levels of dyspareunia (score of ≥ 4 on an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS)). Secondary outcomes included assessing moderate-to-severe levels of other pelvic pain symptoms (NRS score of ≥ 4), bowel symptoms (score of ≥ 2 on a 5-point Likert scale) and quality of life, which was measured using the EuroQol-5D-3L (EQ-5D) questionnaire. The number of women with pain scores ≥ 4 and bowel scores ≥ 2, as well as the mean EQ-5D scores, were compared between the group with and that without sonographic evidence of endometriosis using logistic regression analysis, and multivariable analysis was used to adjust for demographic and clinical variables.

RESULTS

A total of 514 women were included in the final study population, of whom 146 (28.4%) were diagnosed with deep or ovarian endometriosis on TVS. On multivariable analysis, the presence of moderate-to-severe dyspareunia was not found to be associated with endometriosis. Moderate-to-severe dyspareunia was significantly associated with lower age (odds ratio (OR), 0.70 (95% CI, 0.56-0.89); P = 0.003) and a history of migraine (OR, 3.52 (95% CI, 1.42-8.77); P = 0.007), and it occurred significantly less frequently in women with non-endometriotic ovarian cysts (OR, 0.47 (95% CI, 0.28-0.78); P = 0.003). There was also a trend towards a positive association between anxiety/depression and moderate-to-severe dyspareunia (OR, 1.94 (95% CI, 0.93-4.03); P = 0.08). Following multivariable analysis, the only symptoms that were significantly more common in women with endometriosis compared to those without were menstrual dyschezia (OR, 2.44 (95% CI, 1.59-3.78); P < 0.001) and difficulty emptying the bladder (OR, 2.56 (95% CI, 1.52-4.31); P < 0.001). Although not reaching statistical significance on multivariable analysis, dysmenorrhea (OR, 1.72 (95% CI, 0.92-3.20); P = 0.09) and lower EQ-5D score (mean ± SD, 0.67 ± 0.33 vs 0.72 ± 0.28; P = 0.06) also occurred more frequently in women with sonographic evidence of endometriosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of pelvic pain symptoms did not differ significantly between women with and those without sonographic evidence of endometriosis, indicating that endometriosis may not always be the source of pelvic pain, even if present. This highlights the need to rule out other causes of pain in symptomatic endometriosis patients before considering surgical procedures, and to provide appropriate patient counseling. © 2024 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Safety and efficacy of pharmacotherapies for pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis

INTRODUCTION

Endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) are gynecological conditions affecting women of reproductive age and causing pain symptoms. The symptoms caused by these conditions are similar; thus, the differential diagnosis may be challenging. The treatment of these conditions is very different because PID is treated with antibiotic therapy, while endometriosis is treated with hormonal therapies suppressing estrogen levels.

AREAS COVERED

A narrative review was conducted through a comprehensive literature search on endometriosis and PID. The search strategy incorporated relevant keywords and MeSH terms related to these topics.

EXPERT OPINION

The antibiotics used to manage PID have high efficacy and safety profiles. Commonly prescribed regimens include a combination of ceftriaxone, doxycycline, and metronidazole. These antibiotics are generally well-tolerated, with most adverse effects being mild and manageable (gastrointestinal disturbances or hypersensitivity reactions). Hormonal therapies are a cornerstone in the management of endometriosis; they include combined oral contraceptives (COCs), progestins, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, and antagonists. COCs and progestins are generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile, though they may cause side effects (breakthrough bleeding and mood changes). Oral GnRH antagonists have emerged as a noteworthy option, offering partial estrogen suppression and thereby overcoming the limitations associated with previously used GnRH agonists.

Bladder Endometriosis: Diagnostic, Therapy, and Outcome of a Single-Center Experience

Background/Objectives: Endometriosis is a benign condition affecting up to 10% of women at reproductive age. The urinary tract is affected in 0.3-12.0% of women with endometriosis and in 19.0-53.0% of women with deep infiltrating endometriosis. The bladder is the most commonly affected organ in the urinary tract. Bladder endometriosis is defined by the presence of endometriosis lesions in the detrusor muscle, with partial or complete thickness involvement. Methods: This was a retrospective study. The study analyzed surgical reports of 11,714 patients who underwent endometriosis laparoscopy, and included only 42 patients with bladder endometriosis. Results: We found that 0.35% of patients with endometriosis had bladder endometriosis. In total, 29 patients underwent phone follow-up. In total, 26 patients (90%) reported a general improvement in their symptoms (e.g., improving the dysmenorrhea, lower abdominal pain), with a 100% improvement in their dysuria. Only two patients (7%) reported no change in symptoms (dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia). Conclusions: Gynecologists can perform laparoscopic surgical treatment of bladder endometriosis in most cases. If ureteroneocystostomy is required or the localization of the endometriosis nodule is unfavorable, an intervention by an interdisciplinary team is recommended. Both laparoscopic partial bladder resection and shaving can be considered effective methods with low complication risk. This surgical approach requires excellent laparoscopic skills.

Comprehensive Management of Bowel Endometriosis: Surgical Techniques, Outcomes, and Best Practices

Bowel endometriosis is a complex condition predominantly impacting women in their reproductive years, which may lead to chronic pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and infertility. This review highlights current approaches to the diagnosis and management of bowel endometriosis, emphasizing a multidisciplinary strategy. Diagnostic methods include detailed patient history, physical examination, and imaging techniques like transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which aid in preoperative planning. Management options range from hormonal therapies for symptom relief to minimally invasive surgical techniques. Surgical interventions, categorized as shaving excision, disc excision, or segmental resection, depend on factors such as lesion size, location, and depth. Shaving excision is preferred for its minimal invasiveness and lower complication rates, while segmental resection is reserved for severe cases. This review also explores nerve-sparing strategies to reduce surgical morbidity, particularly for deep infiltrative cases close to the rectal bulb, anal verge, and rectosigmoid colon. A structured, evidence-based approach is recommended, prioritizing conservative surgery to avoid complications and preserve fertility as much as possible. Comprehensive management of bowel endometriosis requires expertise from both gynecologic and gastrointestinal specialists, aiming to improve patient outcomes while minimizing long-term morbidity.

Why create a new protocol or a new consensus in the ultrasound diagnosis of endometriosis?

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Deslandes and Leonardi. Click here to view the article.

Proposed simplified protocol for initial assessment of endometriosis with transvaginal ultrasound

Linked article: There is a comment on this article by Guerriero et al. Click here to view the Correspondence.

Ultrasound of the uterosacral ligaments: A reliability study for diagnosing endometriosis in Australian non-specialised medical imaging and radiology settings

Introduction/Background

Uterosacral ligaments (USL) are the most common sites of endometriosis. Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) demonstrates high diagnostic accuracy for endometriosis of the USLs using standardised technique and characterisations. While high accuracy and reproducibility is established with these techniques by well-trained professionals, the question still remains if these techniques are reproducible in general settings. This study aims to assess the intra and interobserver agreement of TVS characteristics of USLs, between experienced and less experienced examiners in an Australian general ultrasound imaging practice, where sonographers are required to perform ultrasound for endometriosis.

Methods

Forty-two patients, with and without known endometriosis, underwent ultrasound imaging of the USLs. Images were obtained of uterosacral ligaments and collated for interobserver survey. Six professional observers independently reviewed the images, classifying characteristics such as echogenicity, echotexture, contour, thickness, and presence of nodules. Interobserver reliability was assessed using Gwet's agreement coefficients (AC1), and the correlation between USL thickness and endometriosis was analyzed using Spearman's correlation.

Results

Interobserver agreement for detecting USL endometriosis was substantial (AC1 = 0.63), with an overall agreement of (0.65) for the seven USL characteristics. Intraobserver agreement ranged from moderate (0.60) to almost perfect (0.96). Experience did not significantly affect intraobserver reliability. A strong positive correlation was found between USL thickness and endometriosis (r = 0.7965, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates high inter and intraobserver agreement among sonographers and radiologists in a general imaging department for identifying USL characteristics and diagnosing USL endometriosis. Both experienced and less experienced operators can reliably assess USLs Consistency was shown in identifying thickened uterosacral ligaments however, there is no consensus on where uterosacral ligament be measured. Even so, a thickened USL can prompt further extension of the pelvic scan to look for other endometriosis markers.

Nomogram to predict cumulative live birth rate following in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles in patients with endometriosis

BACKGROUND

The success of in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in endometriosis patients varies widely, and predicting the likelihood of achieving a live birth remains a clinical challenge. This study aims to develop a predictive nomogram for assessing the cumulative live birth (CLB) rate following IVF/ICSI cycles among patients with endometriosis.

METHOD

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 1457 patients with endometriosis after IVF/ICSI treatment from January 2017 to August 2022. The patients were divided into a training set (70%) and a validation set (30%) using a random number table. Univariate analysis and multifactorial logistic regression analysis were employed to identify relevant predictive factors affecting CLB rate. A predictive model was then established based on the identified factors.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis and multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with concurrent adenomyosis had a decreased CLB rate (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.31-0.82). As the duration of infertility increased, the CLB rate decreased (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88-0.99). Higher numbers of fertilized oocytes and high-quality embryos were associated with an increased likelihood of CLB. A nomogram predictive model for CLB rate, based on age, concurrent adenomyosis, duration of infertility, number of fertilization, and number of high-quality embryos, was developed. The area under the curve (AUC) for the training set and validation set was 0.823 (95% CI: 0.798-0.849) and 0.773 (95% CI: 0.729-0.818), respectively. The stratified analysis demonstrated the applicability of the model in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSION

This predictive nomogram for CLB rate in patients with endometriosis provides valuable and precise information for personalized decision-making, which could be a visual and easily applied tool for IVF/ICSI counselling.

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.

Prevalence of anhedonia in women with deep endometriosis

Anhedonia, characterized by diminished motivation and pleasure sensitivity, is increasingly recognized as prevalent among patients with chronic pain. Deep Endometriosis (DE), the most severe endophenotype of the disease, is commonly presented with chronic pelvic pain. This cross-sectional study reports, for the first time, the prevalence of anhedonia in a sample comprised by 212 premenopausal women with suspected DE referred to a tertiary hospital. Our findings show that 27,8% [95% CI 22.1, 26.5] of DE patients experience abnormal hedonic tone. Severity of DE pain-related symptoms significantly correlated with anhedonia, consistent with previous findings. Chronic pelvic pain emerged as a significant predictor of anhedonia (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-1.22, p < 0.05) with the odds increasing to 2.28 [95% CI 1.12, 4.23] when pain was severe. The most affected areas in DE patients were interests, social interaction and food pleasure. The present results are representative of DE patients under multimodal treatment, limiting generalizability. Overall, our study highlights the impact of chronic pain on hedonic functioning in DE. Therapeutic approaches targeting hedonic capacity in DE patients are crucial for restoring health and well-being.

Douglas Pouch Fluid Improves the Accuracy of Transvaginal Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Uterosacral Ligaments Deep Infiltration Endometriosis: A Prospective Study

OBJECTIVES

To compare the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) with laparoscopy in detecting and characterizing uterosacral ligament (USL) nodules of deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) between patients with and without pouch of Douglas (POD) fluid.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted between June 2021 and July 2023. We included patients from the Second People's Hospital of Shenzhen with two TVUS tests: no POD fluid on the first TVUS test and POD fluid on the second TVUS test. POD fluid was obtained in two ways: naturally occurring fluid during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and SonoPODography. Laparoscopic results are the gold standard. To compare the diagnostic performance of TVUS in the diagnosis of DIE on USLs with and without POD fluid.

RESULTS

We included 42 patients with a mean age of 36.4 ± 5.4 years. The maximum length diameter for DIE nodules on USLs with and without POD fluid was 13.3 ± 3.3 mm and 10.2 ± 2.5 mm (P < .001), respectively, while the depth of infiltration was 8.1 ± 2.4 mm and 6.1 ± 1.4 mm (P < .001), respectively. When compared to laparoscopic findings, TVUS findings with and without POD fluid resulted in a sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value area under the curve, and Cohen kappa of 92.3%, 93.8%, 92.9%, 96.0%, 88.2%, 0.930, and 0.850 and 61.5%, 93.8%, 73.8%, 94.1%, 50.0%, 0.766, and 0.499, respectively. Laparoscopy showed USL involvement in up to 59.5% of patients. With or without fluid, the most common ultrasound features of DIE lesions were USL thickening, irregular morphology, clear boundaries, low echo, and no blood flow signal.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with clinical suspicion of DIE, TVUS with POD fluid has a higher accuracy for diagnosing USL DIE than TVUS without POD fluid.

Prediction of vesicouterine adhesions by transvaginal sonographic sliding sign technique: validation study

OBJECTIVE

Adhesions between the uterus, bladder and anterior abdominal wall are associated with clinical sequelae, including chronic pelvic pain and dyspareunia, and can also yield complications during surgery. The transvaginal sonographic (TVS) sliding bladder sign is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool to evaluate the presence of vesicouterine adhesions. This study aimed to determine the predictive value and intra- and interobserver variation of the TVS sliding bladder sign in the assessment of vesicouterine adhesions.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational double-blind diagnostic accuracy study conducted at the Amsterdam University Medical Center. Patients scheduled for gynecological laparoscopic surgery for a benign disorder between January 2020 and December 2022 were included consecutively. All patients underwent preoperative TVS, including a dynamic sliding bladder sign examination in our outpatient clinic. Videoclips of the TVS scans were stored for offline assessment and used as an index test. The recordings of both TVS and laparoscopy were evaluated for diagnostic characteristics of vesicouterine adhesions by independent assessors, who were blinded to the clinical situation in addition to the laparoscopic findings when assessing recordings of TVS and vice versa. The presence of adhesions on laparoscopy was used as the reference standard. The positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), specificity and sensitivity of the sliding bladder sign were calculated. In addition, inter- and intraobserver variability of the sliding bladder sign on TVS were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 116 included women, 57 had a negative sliding bladder sign on TVS, while on laparoscopy, 51 women had mild and 28 had severe vesicouterine adhesions. A negative sliding bladder sign had a PPV of 94.7% (95% CI, 88.9-100%) for the presence of any vesicouterine adhesions, and a positive sliding bladder sign had a specificity of 91.9% (95% CI, 83.1-100%). For severe adhesions, the negative sliding bladder sign had a sensitivity of 89.3% (95% CI, 77.8-100%) and a positive sliding bladder sign had a NPV of 94.9% (95% CI, 89.3-100%). When using Cohen's kappa coefficient, inter- and intraobserver agreement between assessors was good.

CONCLUSIONS

Sliding bladder sign evaluation using TVS is a reliable diagnostic tool for the prediction of vesicouterine adhesions on laparoscopy. A negative sliding bladder sign indicates the presence of vesicouterine adhesions, while a positive sliding bladder sign makes the presence of severe adhesions unlikely. Establishing vesicouterine adhesions by TVS may optimize preoperative planning, and can be used for future studies to evaluate the relationship between symptomatology and vesicouterine adhesions and, subsequently, the effect of adhesion-prevention interventions. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Ultrasound assessment of the pelvic sidewall: methodological consensus opinion

A standardized methodology for the ultrasound evaluation of the pelvic sidewall has not been proposed to date. Herein, a collaborative group of gynecologists and gynecological oncologists with extensive ultrasound experience presents a systematic methodology for the ultrasonographic evaluation of structures within the pelvic sidewall. Five categories of anatomical structures are described (muscles, vessels, lymph nodes, nerves and ureters). A step-by-step transvaginal ultrasound (or, when this is not feasible, transrectal ultrasound) approach is outlined for the evaluation of each anatomical landmark within these categories. Accurate assessment of the pelvic sidewall using a standardized approach improves the detection and diagnosis of non-gynecological pathologies that may mimic gynecological tumors, reducing the risk of unnecessary and even harmful intervention. Furthermore, it plays an important role in completing the staging of malignant gynecological conditions. Transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound therefore represents a viable alternative to magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative evaluation of lesions affecting the pelvic sidewall, if performed by an expert sonographer. A series of videoclips showing normal and abnormal findings within each respective category illustrates how establishing a universally applicable approach for evaluating this crucial region will be helpful for assessing both benign and malignant conditions affecting the pelvic sidewall. © 2024 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Combine Surgery and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Endometriosis-Related Infertility: When and Why

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain and infertility. Infertility arises mainly due to inflammatory mediators in the peritoneal fluid, contributing to local hypoestrogenism, which appears to exacerbate chronic inflammation and sensitize pelvic nerves. Local hypoestrogenism within endometriotic lesions contrasts with the systemic estrogen-dependent nature of the disease. This localized reduction in estrogen levels, resulting from an altered hormonal response, can contribute to the altered immune response and inflammation characteristic of endometriosis, potentially exacerbating tissue damage, promoting fibrosis, adhesions, and endometrioma formation that distort pelvic anatomy, and affecting fertility. Chronic pelvic pain and dyspareunia further complicate conception in affected women. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and laparoscopic surgical excision of endometriotic lesions are the two primary management options for endometriosis-related infertility, although current data provide limited guidance on when to prefer one approach over the other. It is generally accepted that treatment strategies must be individualized according to the patient's wishes, symptomatology, age and the preferences of the woman and the couple. Timely intervention and structured follow-up for symptomatic women wishing to conceive may maximize conception rates within two years post-surgery, while minimizing the need for repeated interventions, which should be avoided. On the other hand, first-line IVF is particularly viable in cases of unoperated deep infiltrating endometriosis in asymptomatic women, or for those ineligible for or opposed to surgery. This review aims to evaluate the most recent data on endometriosis-related infertility to identify evidence-based key points that can enhance tailored management in clinical practice.

Quality Improvement Report: The Sliding Sign Initiative-Facilitating Earlier Detection of Deep Endometriosis in an Academic US Department

A delayed diagnosis of endometriosis can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. To facilitate an earlier diagnosis, we implemented a modified pelvic US protocol that included use of the dynamic sliding sign (SS) maneuver to screen at-risk populations. The aim of this initiative was to improve both SS maneuver performance and SS reporting consistency to 80% and determine the number of new endometriosis cases identified after US. A quality improvement framework based on the plan-do-study-act (PDSA) methodology was used to develop and evaluate interventions. Eligible pelvic US studies were reviewed at regular intervals to track SS maneuver performance and SS reporting, with control charts used to detect intervention-related variation. A chart review of all abnormal SS cases was also performed. The project initiation (PDSA cycle 1) included protocol development and educational sessions. Reminder posters were placed during cycle 2 and revised in cycle 3, and the eligibility criteria were revised. Cycles 4 and 5 consisted of in-person discussions, distribution of a reference guide, and creation of a dictation software macro. In terms of results, sonographers performed the SS maneuver correctly in 52.1% of eligible patients after cycle 1, increasing to 83.9% by cycle 5. In the cases in which the SS maneuver was performed by the sonographer, after PDSA cycle 1, the SS was reported by the radiologist in 69% of cases (including both correct and incorrect interpretations), and both reported and interpreted correctly in 59% of cases, reaching 79.5% by cycle 3, and plateauing thereafter. Thirty-seven patients were newly diagnosed with endometriosis after undergoing US of the SS. The objectives of our SS initiative were met, with improved SS US performance, improved SS reporting and interpretation, and a number of new endometriosis cases diagnosed. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See the invited commentary by Jha and VanBuren in this issue.