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Advances in Imaging for Assessing Pelvic Endometriosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12122960. [PMID: 36552967 PMCID: PMC9777476 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12122960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, due to the development of standardized diagnostic protocols associated with an improvement in the associated technology, the diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis using imaging is becoming a reality. In particular, transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance are today the two imaging techniques that can accurately identify the majority of the phenotypes of endometriosis. This review focuses not only on these most common imaging modalities but also on some additional radiological techniques that were proposed for rectosigmoid colon endometriosis, such as double-contrast barium enema, rectal endoscopic ultrasonography, multidetector computed tomography enema, computed tomography colonography and positron emission tomography-computed tomography with 16α-[18F]fluoro-17β-estradiol.
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Xholli A, Filip G, Previtera F, Cagnacci A. Modification of endometrioma size during hormone therapy containing dienogest. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:545-549. [PMID: 31842632 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1703942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether hormone therapy containing dienogest is effective in reducing endometrioma size. A retrospective observational study was conducted on 116 women with endometrioma which was evaluated after 6 and 12 months of either no treatment (n = 46), or hormonal therapy containing dienogest (n = 70), without (DNG; n = 34) or with ethinylestradiol (DNG/EE; n = 36). Median (interquartile range) cyst diameter (23.0 mm (21.0 mm)) and volume (9941.2 mm3 (14240.1 mm3)) of untreated were similar to cyst diameter (25.0 mm (14.5 mm) and volume (7587.7 mm3 (13806.2 mm3)) of treated women. After 12 months, endometrioma volume did not vary in untreated women (-34.0 mm3 (55595.0 mm3); -0.77% (93.9%)) while it significantly decreased (-5400 mm3 (15378.7 mm3); -100.0% (27.7%); p<.0001) during hormone therapy. Volume decrease was linearly related to endometrioma volume ([Formula: see text] R2 = 0.899, p<.0001). The effect tended to be greater during DNG alone than DNG/EE (-100.0% (0.0%) vs. -87.9% (47.7%); p<.0004). Cyst disappearance was observed in 4.4% of untreated cases and in 57.1% of cases on hormone therapy (p<.0001) (38.9% with DNG/EE and 76.5% with DNG; p<.03). The early diagnosis and treatment of endometrioma with dienogest-based hormone therapy may be effective in controlling cyst growth and in reducing the need for surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjeza Xholli
- Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Gabriele Filip
- Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Francesca Previtera
- Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Angelo Cagnacci
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Obstetrics Gynaecology and Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Hospital San Martino-IRCCS, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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Guerriero S, Saba L, Alcazar JL, Pascual MA, Ajossa S, Perniciano M, Piras A, Sedda F, Peddes C, Fabbri P, Pilla F, Zajicek M, Giuseppina P, Melis GB. Past, present and future ultrasonographic techniques for analyzing ovarian masses. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 11:369-83. [PMID: 26102474 DOI: 10.2217/whe.15.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasonography is today the method of choice for distinguishing between benign and malignant adnexal pathologies. Using pattern recognition several types of tumors can be recognized according to their characteristic appearance on gray-scale imaging. Color Doppler imaging should be used only to perform a semiquantitative color score or evaluate the flow location. International Ovarian Tumor Analysis group had standardized definitions characterizing adnexal masses and suggested the use of 'simple rules' in premenopausal women. Recently, the use of 3D vascular indices has been proposed but its potential use in clinical practice is debated. Also computerized aided diagnosis algorithms showed encouraging results to be confirmed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Guerriero
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Juan Luis Alcazar
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Silvia Ajossa
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maura Perniciano
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alba Piras
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Sedda
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cristina Peddes
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Paola Fabbri
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Pilla
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michal Zajicek
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Parodo Giuseppina
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Gordts S, Puttemans P, Gordts S, Brosens I. Ovarian endometrioma in the adolescent: a plea for early-stage diagnosis and full surgical treatment. GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERY 2015; 12:21-30. [PMID: 25774119 PMCID: PMC4349957 DOI: 10.1007/s10397-014-0877-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The incidence and severity of endometriosis in adolescent are comparable with the incidence in adult women. The mean delay between the onset of symptoms and the final diagnosis varies between 6.4 and 11.7 years. The longer the diagnosis is delayed, the more the endometriosis can progress to a more severe stage certainly in the group of patients with pelvic pain. The evolution of endometriosis and its progressivity are not predictable, and the severity of the disease is not directly related to the degree of pain. Endometriotic cysts have a detrimental effect on the ovarian reserve by the evolution in time and the surgical excision technique. Already, in small endometriotic cysts (<4 cm), loss of follicular reserve is present together with the formation of fibrosis in the cortex of the ovary. Early diagnosis of endometriosis in the adolescent deserves our full attention. Non-invasive imaging techniques like 2-D and 3-D ultrasound are helpful in the early diagnosis. Early ablative surgery is recommendable. Although laparoscopy is traditionally recommended, transvaginal laparoscopy has been shown to be most effective in ablating endometriomas with a maximum diameter of 3 cm. Early detection and intervention will contribute to a better quality of life in these adolescents and also to a lower damage of the ovarian tissue by a less invasive ablative surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Gordts
- Leuven Institute for Fertility & Embryology, Tiensevest 168, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Puttemans
- Leuven Institute for Fertility & Embryology, Tiensevest 168, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Gordts
- Leuven Institute for Fertility & Embryology, Tiensevest 168, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivo Brosens
- Leuven Institute for Fertility & Embryology, Tiensevest 168, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Guerriero S, Alcazar JL, Pilloni M, Ajossa S, Olartecoechea B, Sedda F, Piras A, Melis GB, Saba L. Reproducibility of two different methods for performing mean gray value evaluation of cyst content in endometriomas using VOCAL. J Med Ultrason (2001) 2014; 41:325-32. [PMID: 27277906 DOI: 10.1007/s10396-013-0514-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare two different methods (manual sampling of the entire cyst and semi-automated spherical sampling from the central part of the cyst) for calculating the mean gray value (MGV) from the cystic content in endometriomas using virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL). METHODS Forty-one volumes from histologically confirmed endometriomas were retrieved from our database and the volumes were analyzed to compare the MGVs obtained via the two modalities. In addition, to evaluate the reproducibility in a sample of 20 volumes, two different observers calculated the MGV from cyst content using VOCAL software. For each method, each examiner analyzed the volumes twice, 3 weeks apart, for assessment of intra-observer agreement. First, manual sampling of the internal contour of all the cysts was performed, and 1 week later semi-automated 2-cm sphere sampling from the central part of the cyst was carried out. In addition, the observers recorded the time spent performing each analysis. Inter- and intra-observer reproducibility was evaluated for each method using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS There was no difference in the mean MGV between manual sampling (22.211 ± 7.541) and the semi-automated modality of sampling (23.840 ± 8.621, p = 0.439). The correlation between manual and semi-automated sampling measurement was high (r = 0.92). According to the ICCs, there was no significant difference in interobserver reliability between manual sampling (0.931; 95 % CI, 0.824-0.973) and the semi-automated modality of sampling (0.924; 95 % CI, 0.809-0.970). Intra-observer reproducibility for both examiners was good (ICC > 0.94). Semi-automated measurements were obtained faster than those obtained by manual evaluation (p = 0.0001 for observer 1 and p = 0.083 for observer 2). CONCLUSIONS Both methods seem to be reliable, but the semi-automated method using the sphere should be preferred because it is a less time-consuming procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Guerriero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 46, 09124, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Juan Luis Alcazar
- Clinica Universitaria de Navarra, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Monica Pilloni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 46, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvia Ajossa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 46, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Federica Sedda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 46, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alba Piras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 46, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gian Benedetto Melis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 46, 09124, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luca Saba
- AOU of Cagliari, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Pascual MA, Guerriero S, Hereter L, Barri-Soldevila P, Ajossa S, Graupera B, Rodriguez I. Three-dimensional sonography for diagnosis of rectovaginal septum endometriosis: interobserver agreement. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2013; 32:931-935. [PMID: 23716513 DOI: 10.7863/ultra.32.6.931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the interobserver agreement for diagnosis of deep endometriosis of the rectovaginal septum using introital 3-dimensional (3D) sonography. METHODS Two experienced observers (observers A and B) performed a retrospective review of stored 3D sonographic volumes from a sample of 84 consecutive patients with a clinical suspicion of endometriosis. Each observer, independently and blinded to each other, evaluated the presence or absence of involvement of the rectovaginal septum. When no lesion was seen, the observers were asked to judge whether the acquisition of the volume was suboptimal for interpretation or whether no lesion on the rectovaginal septum was detectable. One inadequate acquisition case was discarded; a total of 83 cases were evaluated. To calculate the performance of introital 3D sonography, 7 discordant cases were reviewed by a third observer. Interobserver agreement was assessed by calculating the κ index, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the 3 observers were also determined. RESULTS Interobserver agreement was 0.816 (95% confidence interval, 0.69-0.93), representing very good agreement. Sensitivity was 74.1%; specificity, 85.7%; positive predictive value, 71.4%; and negative predictive value, 87.3%. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that introital 3D sonography for diagnosis of deep endometriosis of the rectovaginal septum is reproducible, with very good interobserver agreement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Angela Pascual
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Institut Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain.
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Wu MH, Cheng YC, Chang CH, Ko HC, Chang FM. Three-dimensional Ultrasound in Evaluation of the Ovary. J Med Ultrasound 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmu.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Haoula Z, Deshpande R, Jayaprakasan K, Raine-Fenning N. Doppler imaging in the diagnosis of ovarian disease. EXPERT OPINION ON MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS 2012; 6:59-73. [PMID: 23480621 DOI: 10.1517/17530059.2012.642366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pelvic ultrasonography remains the non-invasive imaging modality of choice for detecting and characterising adnexal masses. The use of Doppler ultrasound has improved the differential diagnosis of ovarian disease and helped to widen the understanding of the aetiology and possible pathophysiology of the various underlying conditions with an aim of improved diagnosis and management. AREAS COVERED This review describes the basis of different Doppler techniques and their application in ovarian disease. The present evidence is critically analysed in an attempt to define the current role of Doppler ultrasound of the ovaries. The technique holds promise in certain ovarian diseases but remains controversial in others. EXPERT OPINION Doppler ultrasound has a role in both the clinical and research settings. Clinically, it can be used to differentiate benign and malignant disease and help confirm diagnoses suggested on grey-scale imaging giving the user more confidence. Its use here, however, is generally restricted to a subjective impression of colour flow rather than a quantitative analysis of vascularity or blood flow velocity. These measures are more relevant in the research setting where quantitative Doppler is being used to clarify the possible underlying aetiology of various ovarian diseases such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and benign cysts. Doppler ultrasound has also been used in various models to evaluate the response to ovarian stimulation and the effect of surgery on the ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeina Haoula
- University of Nottingham, School of Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics & Gynaecology , Nottingham , UK +44 0 115 823 1000 ; +44 0 115 823 0704 ;
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Testa AC, Timmerman D, Van Holsbeke C, Zannoni GF, Fransis S, Moerman P, Vellone V, Mascilini F, Licameli A, Ludovisi M, Di Legge A, Scambia G, Ferrandina G. Ovarian cancer arising in endometrioid cysts: ultrasound findings. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2011; 38:99-106. [PMID: 21351179 DOI: 10.1002/uog.8970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe sonographic characteristics of malignant transformation in endometrioid cysts. METHODS Women with a histological diagnosis of ovarian endometrioid cysts, borderline tumors arising in endometrioid cysts and carcinoma arising in endometrioid cysts, preoperatively examined sonographically, were included in this retrospective study. Gray-scale and Doppler ultrasound characteristics of the endometrioid cysts were compared with those of the borderline tumors and primary cancers arising in endometrioid cysts. The performance of an experienced examiner in classifying the masses was also assessed. RESULTS Of 324 cases collected for the study, 309 (95.3%) lesions were classified as endometrioid cysts, four (1.2%) as borderline tumors arising in endometrioid cysts and 11 (3.4%) as carcinoma arising in endometrioid cysts. Women with malignant findings (borderline ovarian tumors and cancers) were older (median age 52 (range, 28-79) years) than those with benign endometrioid cysts (median age 34 (range, 18-76) years) (P<0.0001), and the prevalence of postmenopausal status was significantly higher in malignant cases. All (15/15) malignant tumors vs. 16% (50/309) of benign tumors were characterized by the presence of solid tissue (P<0.0001). The prevalence of solid tissue with positive Doppler signals was higher in malignant tumors (100%) than in benign cysts (7.8%) (P<0.0001). Papillary projections were a more frequent sonographic feature among malignant lesions (86.7%) than among benign endometrioid cysts (11.3%) (P<0.0001); power Doppler signals were detected within the projections in 92.3% and 37.1% of malignant and benign lesions, respectively. The examiner correctly diagnosed 94.8% (293/309) of benign lesions as benign and 93.3% (14/15) of malignant lesions as malignant. The risk estimation of the examiner was 'uncertain' in three (20%) and 'probably/certainly malignant' in 12 (80%) of 15 malignant cases. CONCLUSION Borderline tumors and carcinomas arising in endometrioid cysts show a vascularized solid component at ultrasound examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Testa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.
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Pascual MA, Guerriero S, Hereter L, Barri-Soldevila P, Ajossa S, Graupera B, Rodriguez I. Diagnosis of endometriosis of the rectovaginal septum using introital three-dimensional ultrasonography. Fertil Steril 2010; 94:2761-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2010] [Revised: 02/22/2010] [Accepted: 02/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Egekvist AG, Forman A, Seyer-Hansen M. Three-dimensional ultrasound of deep infiltrating endometriosis involving the rectosigmoid colon. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2010; 90:122-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0412.2010.01013.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Alcázar JL, León M, Galván R, Guerriero S. Assessment of cyst content using mean gray value for discriminating endometrioma from other unilocular cysts in premenopausal women. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2010; 35:228-232. [PMID: 20066720 DOI: 10.1002/uog.7535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether the analysis of cyst content using mean gray value (MGV) can discriminate ovarian endometriomas from other unilocular ovarian cysts in premenopausal women. METHODS Stored three-dimensional (3D) volumes from 54 unilocular ovarian cysts diagnosed in 50 premenopausal women (mean age, 37 (range, 22-50) years) were analyzed to calculate the MGV from cyst content. Cysts with solid components or septations were excluded. MGV was calculated in all cases with the Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis technique. The B-mode presumptive diagnosis based on the examiner's subjective impression was also recorded. RESULTS Sixteen of the cysts resolved spontaneously and were given a final clinical diagnosis of hemorrhagic functional cyst, while 38 cysts were removed surgically (diagnosed histologically as seven simple cysts, three hemorrhagic cysts, 20 endometriomas, five mucinous cysts and three paraovarian cysts). B-mode diagnoses were as follows: seven simple cysts, 18 hemorrhagic cysts, 24 endometriomas, three mucinous cysts and two paraovarian cysts. MGV was significantly higher in ovarian endometrioma when compared with all other kinds of cyst. The receiver-operating characteristics curve showed that using an MGV cut-off >or= 15.560 had a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 76.5% for diagnosing ovarian endometrioma (area under the curve, 0.831; 95% CI, 0.718-0.944). These figures were similar to those for B-mode diagnosis (sensitivity, 90%; specificity, 82%) (McNemar test, P = 1.000). Combining B-mode and MGV gave a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 91%. CONCLUSION Cyst content MGV is higher in ovarian endometrioma than it is in other unilocular ovarian cysts. The diagnostic performance of MGV is similar to that of the examiner's subjective impression. The combination of both criteria achieves the highest specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Alcázar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinica Universitaria de Navarra, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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Guerriero S, Alcázar JL, Ajossa S, Pilloni M, Melis GB. Three-dimensional sonographic characteristics of deep endometriosis. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2009; 28:1061-1066. [PMID: 19643789 DOI: 10.7863/jum.2009.28.8.1061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this presentation is to investigate the potential role of 3-dimensional (3D) sonography in the assessment of deep endometriosis. METHODS Cases of deep endometriosis are presented to illustrate the spectrum of appearances obtained with 3D sonography. In addition, we evaluate the possible role of other functions included in 3D equipment, such as the niche mode and tomographic ultrasound imaging (TUI). RESULTS Three-dimensional image rendering could allow a good analysis of the endometriotic nodule; in fact, in all presented cases, this reconstruction seems to clearly show the irregular shapes and borders of the lesions. This technique allows unrestricted access to an infinite number of viewing planes, which can be very useful for correctly locating lesions within the pelvis and evaluating the relationship with other organs. The stored 3D volumes can be reassessed and compared by the same or different examiners over time. This characteristic may be relevant for monitoring the effect of medical therapies over time. In the niche mode, sonographic imaging is represented as a "cut-open" view of the internal aspect of the nodule and its surrounding tissue. This additional function, which is associated with TUI, could be particularly useful for evaluation of the extension of a nodule in the rectovaginal septum, the depth of infiltration, and the relationship with the rectosigmoid junction or ureter. CONCLUSIONS In the near future, 3D sonography in deep infiltrating endometriosis could be an interesting mode of research with positive effects in everyday clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Guerriero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cagliari, Ospedale San Giovanni di Dio, Via Ospedale 46, 09124 Cagliari, Italy.
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