Learning curve in the detection of ovarian and deep endometriosis by using Magnetic Resonance

Application of the #Enzian classification for endometriosis on MRI: prospective evaluation of inter- and intraobserver agreement

Objectives

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the inter- and intraobserver variability of the updated #Enzian classification of endometriosis on MRI and to evaluate the influence of reader experience on interobserver concordance.

Methods

This was a prospective single-center study. All patients were included who received an MRI of the pelvis for evaluation of endometriosis between March and July 2023 and who have provided written informed consent. Images were reviewed independently for endometriosis by three radiologists, utilizing the MRI-applicable categories of the #Enzian classification. Two radiologists had experience in pelvic MRI and endometriosis imaging. One radiologist had no specific experience in pelvic MRI and received a one-hour briefing beforehand.

Results

Fifty consecutive patients (mean age, 34.9 years ±8.6 [standard deviation]) were prospectively evaluated. Interobserver agreement was excellent for diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis (Fleiss' kappa: 0.89; 95% CI 0.73-1.00; p < 0.001) and endometriomas (Fleiss' kappa: 0.93; 95% CI 0.77-1.00; p < 0.001). For the experienced readers, interobserver agreement in the assessment of compartments A, B and C was excellent (κw ranging from 0.84; 95% CI 0.71-0.97; p < 0.001 to 0.89; 95% CI 0.82-0.97; p < 0.001). For the pairings of the experienced readers to the reader without specific experience in pelvic MRI, agreement was substantial to excellent (κw ranging from 0.64; 95% CI 0.44-0.85; p < 0.001 to 0.91; 95% CI 0.84-0.98; p < 0.001). Intraobserver variability was excellent for compartments A, B and C (κw ranging from 0.85; 95% CI 0.73-0.96; p < 0.001 to 0.95; 95% CI 0.89-1.00; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

With sufficient experience, the #Enzian classification enables the achievement of excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement in MRI-based diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis and endometriomas.

Transvaginal Ultrasound vs. Magnetic Resonance Imaging: What Is the Optimal Imaging Modality for the Diagnosis of Endometriosis?

Endometriosis, an intriguing gynecological illness, poses a substantial health concern for women of reproductive age, despite its widespread occurrence and limited comprehension. The objective of this study is to assess the diagnostic precision of transvaginal sonography (TVS) and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the identification of deep infiltrated endometriosis (DIE). This study encompassed a cohort of 256 patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of endometriosis, with the aim of assessing the diagnostic accuracy over a span of four years. Both TVS and pelvic MRI were employed in the same centers to analyze each subject. The histopathologic analysis and laparoscopy were the most reliable and widely accepted methods for evaluation. TVS is a reliable diagnostic tool for ovarian endometriomas, obviating the necessity for MRI confirmation. The specificity of TVS in diagnosing ovarian endometriomas is 57.14%, while its sensitivity is 93.78%, resulting in an overall accuracy of 84.47%. In relation to parametrial lesions, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of TVS and MRI were as follows: TVS: 9%, 97%, 32%, MRI: 27.14%, 89.19%, and 40.11%. Concerning the uterosacral lesions, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of TVS and MRI were as follows: TVS:14.63%, 94.74%, and 55%, while MRI: 65.88%, 66.30%, and 66.1%. Regarding rectal endometriosis, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of TVS and MRI were as follows: 69.72%, 76.87%, and 73.82% for TVS, and 66.28%, 94.51%, and 80.79% for MRI. The results of the present study indicate that whereas MRI generally exhibits superior capability in assessing the severity of endometriosis, TVS demonstrates sufficient diagnostic accuracy in DIE comparable to MRI.

The Utility of Rectal Water Contrast Transvaginal Ultrasound for Assessment of Deep Bowel Endometriosis

Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity that infiltrates at least 5-mm deep below the peritoneal layer. Imagining examinations are the first-choice methods to detect DIE. The aim of this study is to assess whether rectal water contrast transvaginal sonography (RWC-TVS) can be a useful tool for the estimation of the size of deep bowel endometriotic nodules. This retrospective study includes 31 patients subjected to RWC-TVS who underwent surgery due to deep bowel endometriosis between January 2021 and December 2022. Nodule dimensions measured via ultrasound were compared to those of histopathological samples taken after surgery. In total, 52% of patients had endometriosis limited only to the intestines, 19% had endometriotic nodules located at uterosacral ligaments and posterior vaginal fornix, 6% at the anterior compartment, and 13% at a different location. Additionally, 6% of patients had nodules at more than two locations. In all but one case, the intestinal nodules could be seen on RWC-TVS images. The largest nodule dimension measured via RWC-TVS and the size of the equivalent histopathological sample correlated (R = 0.406, p = 0.03). Thus, RWC-TVS allows for the detection of DIE and moderate estimation of the nodule sizes and should be practiced during a diagnostic process.

Transvaginal Ultrasound vs. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Value in Endometriosis Diagnosis

(1) Background: Endometriosis is a widespread gynecological condition that causes chronic pelvic discomfort, dysmenorrhea, infertility, and impaired quality of life in women of reproductive age. Clinical examination, transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are significant preoperative non-invasive diagnosis procedures for the accurate assessment of endometriosis. Although TVS is used as the primary line for diagnosis, MRI is commonly utilized to achieve a better anatomical overview of the entire pelvic organs. The aim of this systematic review article is to thoroughly summarize the research on various endometriosis diagnosis methods that are less invasive. (2) Methods: To find relevant studies, we examined electronic databases, such as MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, choosing 70 papers as references. (3) Results: The findings indicate that various approaches can contribute to diagnosis in different ways, depending on the type of endometriosis. For patients suspected of having deep pelvic endometriosis, transvaginal sonography should be the first line of diagnosis. Endometriosis cysts are better diagnosed with TVS, whereas torus, uterosacral ligaments, intestine, and bladder endometriosis lesions are best diagnosed using MRI. When it comes to detecting intestine or rectal nodules, as well as rectovaginal septum nodules, MRI should be the imaging tool of choice. (4) Conclusions: When diagnosing DE (deep infiltrative endometriosis), the examiner’s experience is the most important criterion to consider. In the diagnosis of endometriosis, expert-guided TVS is more accurate than routine pelvic ultrasound, especially in the deep infiltrative form. For optimal treatment and surgical planning, accurate preoperative deep infiltrative endometriosis diagnosis is essential, especially because it requires a multidisciplinary approach.

The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Planning of Surgical Treatment of Deep Pelvic Endometriosis

Background

To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the planning of surgical treatment of deep pelvic endometriosis.

Materials and Methods

From January 2020 to December 2021, we evaluated 72 patients with symptoms characteristic of endometriosis to plan appropriate surgical treatment. Sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive and negative predictive values (VPP/VPN), and the accuracy of MRI for the detection of deep pelvic endometriosis were calculated.

Results

Seventy-two patients (mean age, 35.5 years; range, 20–46 years) suspected of having pelvic endometriosis were recruited. Pelvic endometriosis was confirmed at pathologic examination in 56 (77.7%) of 72 patients. A total of 22 (39.3%) of 56 patients were subjected to video laparoscopy (VLS), and 16 (72.2%) of 22 were treated by surgery. Se, Sp, VPP, and VPN in intestinal endometriosis diagnosis were, respectively, 100%, 93.3%, 100%, and 87.5%, and diagnostic accuracy was 95.4%. MRI Se in ureteral endometriosis diagnosis was 50%, Sp 100%, VPP 100%, VPN 78%, and diagnostic accuracy 82%. MRI Se in endometrioma diagnosis was 92.3%, Sp 100%, VPP 100%, VPN 90%, and diagnostic accuracy 95.4%. MRI Se in rectum-vaginal septum (SRV) endometriosis diagnosis was 80%, Sp 100%, VPP 100% VPN 85.7%, and diagnostic accuracy 91%. The MRI Se in the diagnosis of endometriosis involving ULS was 100%, Sp 92.8%, VPP 89%, VPN 100%, and diagnostic accuracy 95.4%. Complete concordance results in a 100% accuracy for all calculated values in diagnosing bladder endometriosis localizations.

Conclusion

MR imaging demonstrates high accuracy in detecting deep pelvic endometriosis in specific locations. It allows the localization of deep pelvic lesions with highly fibrotic components that are hardly recognizable with other imaging methods and not visible with VLS.

MRI-based radiomics nomogram for the preoperative prediction of deep myometrial invasion of FIGO I stage endometrial carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies with an increasing incidence, and an accurate preoperative diagnosis of deep myometrial invasion (DMI) is crucial for personalized treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the predictive value of an MRI-based radiomics nomogram for the presence of DMI in FIGO I stage EC.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected 163 patients with pathologically confirmed stage I EC from two centers and divided all samples into a training group (center 1) and a validation group (center 2). Clinical and routine imaging indicators were analyzed by logistical regression to construct a conventional diagnostic model (M1). Radiomics features extracted from the axial T2-weighted (T2W) and axial contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (CE-T1W) images were treated with the intraclass correlation coefficient, Mann-Whitney U test, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and logistic regression analysis with Akaike information criterion (AIC) to build a combined radiomics signature (M2). A nomogram (M3) was constructed by M1 and M2. Calibration and decision curves were drawn to evaluate the nomogram in the training and validation cohorts. The diagnostic performance of each indicator and model was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULT

The four most significant radiomics features were finally selected from the CE-T1W MRI. For the diagnosis of DMI, the AUC_T /AUC_V of M1 was 0.798/0.738, the AUC_T /AUC_V of M2 was 0.880/0.852, and the AUC_T /AUC_V of M3 was 0.936/0.871 in the training and validation groups, respectively. The calibration curves showed that M3 was in good agreement with the ideal values. The decision curve analysis suggested potential clinical application values of the nomogram.

CONCLUSION

A nomogram based on MRI radiomics and clinical imaging indicators can improve the diagnosis of DMI in patients with FIGO I stage EC. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The Reproducibility of Ultrasonographic Findings of Rectosigmoid Endometriosis Among Examiners With Different Level of Expertise

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the reproducibility of ultrasonographic (US) findings of rectosigmoid endometriosis among examiners with different level of expertise using stored three-dimensional (3D) volumes of the posterior compartment of the pelvis as a part of SANABA (Sardinia-Navarra-Barcelona) collaborative study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six examiners in 3 academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with different levels of experience and blinded to each other, evaluated 60 stored 3D volumes from the posterior compartment of the pelvis and looked for the presence or absence of features of rectosigmoid endometriotic lesions defined as an irregular hypoechoic nodule with or without hypoechoic foci at the level of the muscularis propria of the anterior wall rectum sigma. Multiplanar view and virtual navigation were used. All examiners had to assess the 3D volume of posterior compartment of the pelvis and classify it as present or absent disease. To analyze intra-observer and the inter-observer agreements, each examiner performed the assessment twice with a 2-week interval between the first and second assessments. Reproducibility was assessed by calculating the weighted Kappa index.

RESULTS

Intra-observer reproducibility was moderate to very good for all observers (Kappa index ranging from 0.49 to 0.96) associated with a good diagnostic accuracy of each reader. Inter-observer reproducibility was fair to very good (Kappa index range: 0.21-0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

The typical US sign of rectosigmoid endometriosis is reasonably recognizable to observers with different level of expertise when assessed in stored 3D volumes.

Evaluation of the Depth of Myometrial Invasion of Endometrial Carcinoma: Comparison of Orthogonal Pelvis-axial Contrast-enhanced and Uterus-axial Dynamic Contrast-enhanced MRI Protocols

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To compare the diagnostic performance of orthogonal pelvis-axial (OPA) contrast-enhanced (CE) and orthogonal uterus-axial (OUA) dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols in assessing the depth of myometrial invasion (MI) of endometrial carcinoma (EC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preoperative MRI of 398 consecutive EC patients (197 patients with OPA CE-MRI protocol and 201 patients with OUA DCE-MRI protocol) was analyzed. Two radiologists independently interpreted the depth of MI, with postoperative histopathology as the reference standard. The chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used for diagnostic performance comparison.

RESULTS

OUA DCE-MRI showed a significantly larger area under the curve than OPA CE-MRI in detecting the presence of MI for radiologist 1 (0.71 versus 0.49, p < 0.05) but not for radiologist 2 or deep MI (all p > 0.05). Compared to OPA CE-MRI, OUA DCE-MRI significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of non-MI and superficial MI (radiologist 1: 45.5% versus 0 and 88.7% versus 86.4%, p = 0.045 and 0.567, respectively; radiologist 2: 45.5% versus 12.5% and 88.7% versus 78.8%, p = 0.177 and 0.027, respectively) and of EC with adenomyosis/submucous myomas, cornual tumor, and antero-posterior diameter ≤ 10 mm (radiologist 1: 86.4% versus 71.4%, 91.2% versus 67.7%, and 90.1% versus 81.1%, p = 0.048, 0.018, and 0.081, respectively; radiologist 2: 86.4% versus 64.3%, 88.2% versus 64.5%, and 87.0% versus 71.6%, p = 0.006, 0.023, and 0.019, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The OUA DCE-MRI protocol was superior to the OPA CE-MRI protocol in assessing the depth of MI of EC.

Evaluation of Iterative Denoising 3-Dimensional T2-Weighted Turbo Spin Echo for the Diagnosis of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis

OBJECTIVES

The primary end point of this study was to evaluate the image quality and reliability of a highly accelerated 3-dimensional T2 turbo spin echo (3D-T2-TSE) sequence with prototype iterative denoising (ID) reconstruction compared with conventional 2D T2 sequences for the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). The secondary end point was to demonstrate the 3D-T2-TSE sequence image quality improvement using ID reconstruction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients were prospectively enrolled to our institution for pelvis magnetic resonance imaging because of a suspicion of endometriosis over a 4-month period. Both conventional 2D-T2 (sagittal, axial, coronal T2 oblique to the cervix) and 3D-T2-TSE sequences were performed with a scan time of 7 minutes 43 seconds and 4 minutes 58 seconds, respectively. Reconstructions with prototype ID (3D-T2-denoised) and without prototype ID (3D-T2) were generated inline at the end of the acquisition. Two radiologists independently evaluated the image quality of 3D-T2, 3D-T2-denoised, and 2D-T2 sequences. Diagnosis confidence of DIE was evaluated for both 3D-T2-denoised and 2D-T2 sequences. Intraobserver and interobserver agreements were calculated using Cohen κ coefficient.

RESULTS

Ninety female patients were included. Both readers found that the ID algorithm significantly improved the image quality and decreased the artifacts of 3D-T2-denoised compared with 3D-T2 sequences (P < 0.001). A significant image quality improvement was found by 1 radiologist for 3D-T2-denoised compared with 2D-T2 sequences (P = 0.002), whereas the other reader evidenced no significant difference. The interobserver agreement of 3D-T2-denoised and 2D-T2 sequences was 0.84 (0.73-0.95) and 0.78 (0.65-0.9), respectively, for the diagnosis of DIE. Intraobserver agreement for readers 1 and 2 was 0.86 (0.79-1) and 0.83 (0.76-1), respectively. For all localization of DIE, interobserver and intraobserver agreements were either almost perfect or substantial for both 3D-T2-denoised and 2D-T2 sequences.

CONCLUSIONS

Three-dimensional T2-denoised imaging is a promising tool to replace conventional 2D-T2 sequences, offering a significant scan time reduction without compromising image quality or diagnosis information for the assessment of DIE.

Locoregional CT staging of colon cancer: does a learning curve exist?

PURPOSE

To evaluate the learning curve for locoreginal staging of colon cancer in radiologist trainees.

METHODS

Eighty-eight cases of colon cancer CT were included in this retrospective study. Four senior radiology residents staged the CTs according to TNM classification. Two out of four radiologists received feedback after reading every 20 cases. Radiologic staging was compared with pathologic staging and the learning curve, diagnostic performance, reader confidence and reading time were evaluated and compared between the two groups (feedback vs. no feedback). Generalized estimating equations logistic regression, QICu statistic, ANOVA and t test/Mann-Whitney test were utilized.

RESULTS

Radiologists demonstrated a significant increase in their performance to distinguish between ≤ T2 and ≥ T3 and reached an inflection point at 38 cases, with a significant association with increased number of cases reviewed (P < 0.001). Sensitivity (P < 0.001), specificity (P = 0.030) and NPV (P = 0.002) demonstrated significant associations with increased experience. The overall reader's confidence was significantly higher in the group which received feedback (P < 0.001). There was no significant improvement in performance nor in reader's confidence for N staging (N0 vs. ≥ N1) for all readers. Reading time decreased with experience and showed a significant negative association with experience (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic performance of senior radiology trainees in differentiating between T2 and T3 colon cancer on CTs improved with increased experience. In contrast, evaluation of lymph node involvement did not improve with more experience. Feedback had no significant effect on improvement of diagnostic performances.

Structured manual for MRI assessment of deep infiltrating endometriosis using the ENZIAN classification

PURPOSE

Proposal of a systematic approach to assess Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) through pelvic Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the Enzian classification and examination of inter-rater agreement.

METHODS

Three radiologists reviewed 23 MRI of patients with pelvic DIE at one tertiary referral center retrospectively and independently. Inclusion criteria were intraoperative confirmation of DIE and MR imaging according to ESUR (European Society of Urogenital Radiology) guidelines. Assessment of the anatomical pelvic compartments was performed using a manual based on the Enzian classification with step-by-step instructions using recommended planes and sequences presented here. Interrater agreement was measured using kappa statistics.

RESULTS

According to the intraoperative site lesions in 53 anatomical compartments were present. Interrater agreement was best for compartments A (0.255) and FB (0.642). For FI (0.204) and B (0.146) it was slight, there was poor agreement for C (- 0.263), FA (- 0.022), and FO (- 0.030), respectively, and as for FU, no ureter infiltration was described.

CONCLUSION

MRI as a noninvasive diagnostic tool offers essential advantages regarding classification and therapy planning for patients with DIE. However, its assessment is difficult and a more systematic approach is needed. Our proposed manual based on the Enzian classification is reproducible and could support radiologists and gynecologists.

Comparison of physical examination, ultrasound techniques and magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies

Visual inspection via laparoscopy is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis. Laparoscopy is an invasive procedure; therefore, it would be beneficial to patients if accurate non-invasive modalities were available for the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis. The purpose of the current review and meta-analysis was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of clinical examination, transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and MRI as alternative methods for diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis. A systematic search of the Medline, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane library databases, between their inception and September 2019, was performed. The quality of trials was assessed using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies-2 tool. Meta-analyses were conducted to obtain the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratio for each of the three imaging modalities and clinical examination. A total of 30 studies with 4,565 participants were included in the review. Physical examination had a pooled sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 69%, with an average diagnostic accuracy [area under the curve (AUC) =0.76]. TVUS had a pooled sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 94%, with higher diagnostic accuracy than physical examination (AUC =0.92). TRUS had a pooled sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 80% with an AUC of 0.93. MRI had a pooled sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 87% with higher diagnostic accuracy than physical examination (AUC =0.91). All the imaging modalities had good clinical utility, as indicated by the Fagan plot. The present analysis demonstrates that the imaging modalities TVUS, TRUS and MRI may be highly useful alternatives to laparoscopy for diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis and that these techniques have a high sensitivity and specificity.

Does the clinical information play a role in the magnetic resonance diagnostic confidence analysis of ovarian and deep endometriosis?

OBJECTIVE:

Some recent studies have explored how the experience in the observers change their performance in the endometriosis detection using MRI but the effects of the clinical information remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the clinical information in the diagnostic confidence in the MRI diagnosis of endometriosis.

METHODS AND MATERIALS:

Institutional Review Board was obtained. This study is compliant to STARD method. 80 patients (mean age 32 years; range 19 - 46 years) who had undergone MRI study and surgery for suspected endometriosis were retrospectively evaluated. MRI exams were performed with a 1.5 T scanner and the following five locations were assessed: ovary, anterior compartment, vaginal fornix, utero-sacral ligaments, and Rectum\Sigmoid\Pouch of Douglas. Data sets were evaluated twice on a 5-point scale by four radiologists with different level of expertise; the first time blinded to the clinical information and the second time, after 3 months together with the clinical chart. Statistical analysis included receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, the Cohen weighted test and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy, LR+ and LR-.

RESULTS:

A total of 140 localization of endometriosis (47 endometriomas and 93 endometriotic nodules) were found. The pairwise comparison demonstrated that in all cases the presence of clinical information improved the Az value. The concordance analysis indicated a mixed pattern from modest agreement (weighted κ value 0.556 for anterior compartment) to excellent agreement values (weighted κ value 0.867 for ovarian endometriomas).

CONCLUSION:

The results of our study suggest that clinical information is useful in diagnosing endometriosis in general anterior compartment, but not in other locations. Less experienced radiologists (resident) may benefit from it at utero-sacral ligaments or Rectum\Sigmoid\Pouch of Douglas.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE:

In this era of sometimes indiscriminate use of diagnostic methods, it is important to emphasis the context for interpretation of diagnostic results. Our paper confirms that clinical information is useful in diagnosing endometriosis.

[Contribution of meb to endometriosis patients' diagnosis and treatment]

OBJECTIVES

Diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis may be complex and therefore justify the discussion of therapeutic decisions in a multidisciplinary endometriosis board (MEB). The development of endometriosis regional expert centers requires an assessment of the quality and relevance of MEB.

METHODS

Qualitiative retrospective study on patients whose management was discussed in Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud between June 2013 and December 2017.

RESULTS

Among 376 patients presented in MEB, 309 (80.2%) were painful and 184 (59.5%) had complex endometriosis. A complete clinical evaluation was performed in 120 (38.8%) patients. MRI was performed for 370 (98.4%) patients including 303 (81.9%) with a second reading by an expert radiologist. These second readings allowed a diagnosis correction in 88 (60.7 %) patients with complex endometriosis. MR enterography (27.8 %) and rectal endoscopic sonography (14.4%) were the most frequently used third-line exams to complete the initial imaging of digestive lesion in patients with rectal endometriosis. Surgery was proposed for 199 (52,9%) patients including 108 (58,7%) with complex endometriosis.

CONCLUSION

One of the major interests of MEB in endometriosis is the second reading of MRI, which, by identifying complex endometriosis initially undiagnosed or underestimated, enabled to better discuss the benefits/risks of therapeutic choices, and to organize complex surgeries when those were retained. The development of MEB in regional expert centers will contribute to optimizing the relevance of care for patients with endometriosis.

Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: Comparison Between 2-Dimensional Ultrasonography (US), 3-Dimensional US, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasonography (US) in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for identification of deep infiltrating endometriosis.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, 159 premenopausal women who underwent surgery for a clinical suspicion of deep infiltrating endometriosis were prospectively enrolled. All women underwent 2DUS, 3DUS, and MRI. The following 3 locations of deep endometriosis were considered: (1) intestinal; (2) other posterior lesions (retrocervical septum, rectovaginal septum, uterosacral ligaments, and vaginal fornix); and (3) anterior. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 2D and 3D transvaginal US in comparison with MRI were determined.

RESULTS

Intestinal deep infiltrating endometriosis was identified by 2DUS in 56 of 66 patients, by 3DUS in 59 of 66, and by MRI in 61 of 66. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed optimal results for 2DUS, 3DUS, and MRI (areas under the curve, 0.86, 0.915, and 0.935, respectively) with a statistically significant difference between 2DUS and MRI (P = .0103), even when the 95% confidence interval showed an overlap. Other posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis was identified by 2DUS in 55 of 75 patients, by 3DUS in 65 of 75, and by MRI in 66 of 75. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed very good results for 2DUS, 3DUS, and MRI (areas under the curve, 0.801, 0.838, and 0.857) with no statistically significant differences. In the 12 women with deep infiltrating endometriosis in the anterior location, the nodules were correctly identified by 2DUS in 3 of 12 patients, by 3DUS in 5 of 12, and by MRI in 6 of 12.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results seem to suggest that there is a statistically significant difference between 2DUS and MRI for the intestinal location of deep infiltrating endometriosis, whereas no differences were found among the techniques for the other locations.

Transvaginal ultrasound vs magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing deep infiltrating endometriosis: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of studies comparing the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosing deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) including only studies in which patients underwent both techniques.

METHODS

An extensive search was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science for papers from January 1989 to October 2016 comparing TVS and MRI in DIE. Studies were considered eligible for inclusion if they reported on the use of TVS and MRI in the same set of patients for the preoperative detection of endometriosis in pelvic locations in women with clinical suspicion of DIE and using surgical data as a reference standard. Quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. A random-effects model was used to determine pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR).

RESULTS

Of 375 citations identified, six studies (n = 424) were considered eligible. For MRI in the detection of DIE in the rectosigmoid, pooled sensitivity was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.78-0.90), specificity was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.83-0.99), LR+ was 18.4 (95% CI, 4.7-72.4), LR- was 0.16 (95% CI, 0.11-0.24) and DOR was 116 (95% CI, 23-585). For TVS in the detection of DIE in the rectosigmoid, pooled sensitivity was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.68-0.94), specificity was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.85-0.99), LR+ was 20.4 (95% CI, 4.7-88.5), LR- was 0.16 (95% CI, 0.07-0.38) and DOR was 127 (95% CI, 14-1126). For MRI in the detection of DIE in the rectovaginal septum, pooled sensitivity was 0.66 (95% CI, 0.51-0.79), specificity was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.89-0.99), LR+ was 22.5 (95% CI, 6.7-76.2), LR- was 0.38 (95% CI, 0.23-0.52) and DOR was 65 (95% CI, 21-204). For TVS in the detection of DIE in the rectovaginal septum, pooled sensitivity was 0.59 (95% CI, 0.26-0.86), specificity was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94-0.99), LR+ was 23.5 (95% CI, 9.1-60.5), LR- was 0.42 (95% CI, 0.18-0.97) and DOR was 56 (95% CI, 11-275). For MRI in the detection of DIE in the uterosacral ligaments, pooled sensitivity was 0.70 (95% CI, 0.55-0.82), specificity was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.87-0.97), LR+ was 10.4 (95% CI, 5.1-21.2), LR- was 0.32 (95% CI, 0.20-0.51) and DOR was 32 (95% CI, 12-85). For TVS in the detection of DIE in the uterosacral ligaments, pooled sensitivity was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.55-0.77), specificity was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.73-0.93), LR+ was 4.8 (95% CI, 2.6-9.0), LR- was 0.38 (95% CI, 0.29-0.50) and DOR was 12 (95% CI, 7-24). Confidence intervals of pooled sensitivities, specificities and DOR were wide for both techniques in all the locations considered. Heterogeneity was moderate or high for sensitivity and specificity for both TVS and MRI in most locations assessed. According to QUADAS-2, the quality of the included studies was considered good for most domains.

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic performance of TVS and MRI is similar for detecting DIE involving rectosigmoid, uterosacral ligaments and rectovaginal septum. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Health economic assessment of Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI versus ECCM-MRI and multi-detector CT for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in China

Limited data exists in China on the comparative cost of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI) with other imaging techniques. This study compared the total cost of Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and extracellular contrast media-enhanced MRI (ECCM-MRI) as initial imaging procedures in patients with suspected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We developed a decision-tree model on the basis of the Chinese clinical guidelines for HCC, which was validated by clinical experts from China. The model compared the diagnostic accuracy and costs of alternative initial imaging procedures. Compared with MDCT and ECCM-MRI, Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI imaging was associated with higher rates of diagnostic accuracy, i.e. higher proportions of true positives (TP) and true negatives (TN) with lower false positives (FP). Total diagnosis and treatment cost per patient after the initial Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI evaluation was similar to MDCT (¥30,360 vs. ¥30,803) and lower than that reported with ECCM-MRI (¥30,360 vs. ¥31,465). Lower treatment cost after initial Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI was driven by reduced utilization of confirmatory diagnostic procedures and unnecessary treatments. The findings reported that Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI offered higher diagnostic accuracy compared with MDCT and ECCM-MRI at a comparable cost, which indicates Gd-EOB-DTPA-MRI could be the preferred initial imaging procedure for the diagnosis of HCC in China.

Applying a statistical method in transvaginal ultrasound training: lessons from the learning curve cumulative summation test (LC-CUSUM) for endometriosis mapping

BACKGROUND

Methods available for assessing the learning curve, such as a predefined number of procedures or direct mentoring are lacking. Our aim was to describe the use of a statistical method to identify the minimal training length of an experienced sonographer, newly trained in deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) mapping by evaluating the learning curve of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) in the preoperative assessment of endometriosis.

METHODS

A retrospective study in a tertiary referral center for endometriosis. Reports and stored data from TVUS scans performed by one operator with training in general gynecological ultrasound, but not in endometriosis mapping, were analyzed retrospectively for patients who subsequently underwent laparoscopy, which served as a reference standard. The performance of TVUS was assessed for the following sites: endometriomas, bladder, vagina, pouch of Douglas, bowel and uterosacral ligaments, and correlated with laparoscopic findings. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy were calculated, and the operator's diagnostic performance was assessed using the learning curve cumulative summation test (LC-CUSUM).

RESULTS

Data from 94 women were available for analysis. The learning curve using the LC-CUSUM graph showed that the sonographer reached the predefined level of proficiency in detecting endometriosis lesions after 20, 26, 32, 31, 38, and 44 examinations for endometriomas, bladder nodules, vaginal nodules, pouch of Douglas obliteration, bowel nodules, and uterosacral ligament nodules, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

LC-CUSUM allows monitoring of individual performance during the learning process of new methodologies. This study shows that a sonographer trained in general gynecologic ultrasonography, who devotes time to learn TVUS for DIE mapping, can achieve proficiency for diagnosing the major types of endometriotic lesions after examining less than 50 patients who subsequently undergo surgery in a training setting.

Imaging modalities for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis

BACKGROUND

About 10% of women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis. Endometriosis is a costly chronic disease that causes pelvic pain and subfertility. Laparoscopy, the gold standard diagnostic test for endometriosis, is expensive and carries surgical risks. Currently, no non-invasive tests that can be used to accurately diagnose endometriosis are available in clinical practice. This is the first review of diagnostic test accuracy of imaging tests for endometriosis that uses Cochrane methods to provide an update on the rapidly expanding literature in this field.

OBJECTIVES

• To provide estimates of the diagnostic accuracy of imaging modalities for the diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis and deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) versus surgical diagnosis as a reference standard.• To describe performance of imaging tests for mapping of deep endometriotic lesions in the pelvis at specific anatomical sites.Imaging tests were evaluated as replacement tests for diagnostic surgery and as triage tests that would assist decision making regarding diagnostic surgery for endometriosis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases to 20 April 2015: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, LILACS, OAIster, TRIP, ClinicalTrials.gov, MEDION, DARE, and PubMed. Searches were not restricted to a particular study design or language nor to specific publication dates. The search strategy incorporated words in the title, abstracts, text words across the record and medical subject headings (MeSH).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered published peer-reviewed cross-sectional studies and randomised controlled trials of any size that included prospectively recruited women of reproductive age suspected of having one or more of the following target conditions: endometrioma, pelvic endometriosis, DIE or endometriotic lesions at specific intrapelvic anatomical locations. We included studies that compared the diagnostic test accuracy of one or more imaging modalities versus findings of surgical visualisation of endometriotic lesions.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently collected and performed a quality assessment of data from each study. For each imaging test, data were classified as positive or negative for surgical detection of endometriosis, and sensitivity and specificity estimates were calculated. If two or more tests were evaluated in the same cohort, each was considered as a separate data set. We used the bivariate model to obtain pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity when sufficient data sets were available. Predetermined criteria for a clinically useful imaging test to replace diagnostic surgery included sensitivity ≥ 94% and specificity ≥ 79%. Criteria for triage tests were set at sensitivity ≥ 95% and specificity ≥ 50%, ruling out the diagnosis with a negative result (SnNout test - if sensitivity is high, a negative test rules out pathology) or at sensitivity ≥ 50% with specificity ≥ 95%, ruling in the diagnosis with a positive result (SpPin test - if specificity is high, a positive test rules in pathology).

MAIN RESULTS

We included 49 studies involving 4807 women: 13 studies evaluated pelvic endometriosis, 10 endometriomas and 15 DIE, and 33 studies addressed endometriosis at specific anatomical sites. Most studies were of poor methodological quality. The most studied modalities were transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with outcome measures commonly demonstrating diversity in diagnostic estimates; however, sources of heterogeneity could not be reliably determined. No imaging test met the criteria for a replacement or triage test for detecting pelvic endometriosis, albeit TVUS approached the criteria for a SpPin triage test. For endometrioma, TVUS (eight studies, 765 participants; sensitivity 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87, 0.99), specificity 0.96 (95% CI 0.92, 0.99)) qualified as a SpPin triage test and approached the criteria for a replacement and SnNout triage test, whereas MRI (three studies, 179 participants; sensitivity 0.95 (95% CI 0.90, 1.00), specificity 0.91 (95% CI 0.86, 0.97)) met the criteria for a replacement and SnNout triage test and approached the criteria for a SpPin test. For DIE, TVUS (nine studies, 12 data sets, 934 participants; sensitivity 0.79 (95% CI 0.69, 0.89) and specificity 0.94 (95% CI 0.88, 1.00)) approached the criteria for a SpPin triage test, and MRI (six studies, seven data sets, 266 participants; sensitivity 0.94 (95% CI 0.90, 0.97), specificity 0.77 (95% CI 0.44, 1.00)) approached the criteria for a replacement and SnNout triage test. Other imaging tests assessed in small individual studies could not be statistically evaluated.TVUS met the criteria for a SpPin triage test in mapping DIE to uterosacral ligaments, rectovaginal septum, vaginal wall, pouch of Douglas (POD) and rectosigmoid. MRI met the criteria for a SpPin triage test for POD and vaginal and rectosigmoid endometriosis. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) might qualify as a SpPin triage test for rectosigmoid involvement but could not be adequately assessed for other anatomical sites because heterogeneous data were scant. Multi-detector computerised tomography enema (MDCT-e) displayed the highest diagnostic performance for rectosigmoid and other bowel endometriosis and met the criteria for both SpPin and SnNout triage tests, but studies were too few to provide meaningful results.Diagnostic accuracies were higher for TVUS with bowel preparation (TVUS-BP) and rectal water contrast (RWC-TVS) and for 3.0TMRI than for conventional methods, although the paucity of studies precluded statistical evaluation.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

None of the evaluated imaging modalities were able to detect overall pelvic endometriosis with enough accuracy that they would be suggested to replace surgery. Specifically for endometrioma, TVUS qualified as a SpPin triage test. MRI displayed sufficient accuracy to suggest utility as a replacement test, but the data were too scant to permit meaningful conclusions. TVUS could be used clinically to identify additional anatomical sites of DIE compared with MRI, thus facilitating preoperative planning. Rectosigmoid endometriosis was the only site that could be accurately mapped by using TVUS, TRUS, MRI or MDCT-e. Studies evaluating recent advances in imaging modalities such as TVUS-BP, RWC-TVS, 3.0TMRI and MDCT-e were observed to have high diagnostic accuracies but were too few to allow prudent evaluation of their diagnostic role. In view of the low quality of most of the included studies, the findings of this review should be interpreted with caution. Future well-designed diagnostic studies undertaken to compare imaging tests for diagnostic test accuracy and costs are recommended.

Fusion imaging for evaluation of deep infiltrating endometriosis: feasibility and preliminary results

OBJECTIVE

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound scanning complement each other in screening for and diagnosis of endometriosis. Fusion imaging, also known as real-time virtual sonography, is a new technique that uses magnetic navigation and computer software for the synchronized display of real-time ultrasound and multiplanar reconstructed MR images. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility and ability of fusion imaging to assess the main anatomical sites of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) in patients with suspected active endometriosis.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted over a 1-month period in patients referred to a trained radiologist for an ultrasound-based evaluation for endometriosis. Patients with a prior pelvic MRI examination within the past year were offered fusion imaging, in addition to the standard evaluation. All MRI examinations were performed on a 1.5-T MRI machine equipped with a body phased-array coil. The MRI protocol included acquisition of at least two fast spin-echo T2-weighted orthogonal planes. The Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine dataset acquired at the time of the MRI examination was loaded into the fusion system and displayed together with the ultrasound image on the same monitor. The sets of images were then synchronized manually using one plane and one anatomical reference point. The ability of this combined image to identify and assess the main anatomical sites of pelvic endometriosis (uterosacral ligaments, posterior vaginal fornix, rectum, ureters and bladder) was evaluated and compared with that of standard B-mode ultrasound and MRI.

RESULTS

Over the study period, 100 patients were referred for ultrasound examination because of endometriosis. Among them were 20 patients (median age, 35 (range, 27-49) years) who had undergone MRI examination within the past year, with a median (range) time interval between MRI and ultrasound examination of 171 (1-350) days. All 20 patients consented to undergo additional evaluation by fusion imaging. However, in three (15%) cases, fusion imaging was not technically possible because of changes since the initial MRI examination resulting from either interval surgery (n = 2; 10%) or pregnancy (n = 1; 5%). Data acquisition, matching and fusion imaging were performed in under 10 min in each of the other 17 cases. The overall ability of each technique to identify and assess the main anatomical landmarks of endometriosis was as follows: uterosacral ligaments: ultrasound, 88% (30/34); MRI, 100% (34/34); fusion imaging, 100% (34/34); posterior vaginal fornix: ultrasound, 88% (30/34); MRI, 100% (34/34); fusion imaging, 100% (34/34); rectum: ultrasound, 100% (17/17); MRI, 82.3% (14/17); fusion imaging, 100% (17/17); ureters: ultrasound, 0%; MRI, 100% (34/34); fusion imaging, 100% (34/34); and bladder: ultrasound, 100%; MRI, 100%; fusion imaging, 100%.

CONCLUSION

Fusion imaging is feasible for the assessment of endometriotic lesions. Because it combines information from both ultrasound and MRI techniques, fusion imaging allows better identification of the main anatomical sites of DIE and has the potential to improve the performance of ultrasound and MRI examination.

Endometriosis: the role of magnetic resonance imaging

Several imaging options are available today to diagnose endometriosis. Currently, the two techniques most used are sonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Three-dimensional (3D) sonography has proved to be particularly sensitive in the diagnosis of endometriosis. In recent years, MRI has emerged as a high reproducible method to explore endometriosis; moreover, its capability to evaluate tissue signal is an extremely powerful system in the differential diagnosis with other pathologies and for the identification of malignant degeneration. The purpose of this paper is to present the state-of-the-art of MRI of endometriosis by performing a review of the literature and showing the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and classification of endometriosis. In this work, the technique that should be used, MR findings of endometriosis and the principles of differential diagnosis are explained.

Carotid artery dissection on non-contrast CT: does color improve the diagnostic confidence?

PURPOSE

The purpose of this work was to evaluate if the use of color maps, instead of conventional grayscale images, would improve the observer's diagnostic confidence in the non-contrast CT evaluation of internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred patients (61 men, 39 women; mean age, 51 years; range, 25-78 years), 40 with and 60 without ICAD, underwent non-contrast CT and were included in this the retrospective study. In this study, three groups of patients were considered: patients with MR confirmation of ICAD, n=40; patients with MR confirmation of ICAD absence, n=20; patients who underwent CT of the carotid arteries because of atherosclerotic disease, n=40. Four blinded observers with different levels of expertise (expert, intermediate A, intermediate B and trainee) analyzed the non-contrast CT datasets using a cross model (one case grayscale and the following case using the color scale). The presence of ICAD was scored on a 5-point scale in order to assess the observer's diagnostic confidence. After 3 months the four observers evaluated the same datasets by using the same cross-model for the alternate readings (one case color scale and the following case using the grayscale). Statistical analysis included receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, the Cohen weighted test and sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, accuracy, LR+ and LR-.

RESULTS

The ROC curve analysis showed that, for all observers, the use of color scale resulted in an improved diagnostic confidence with AUC values increasing from 0.896 to 0.936, 0.823 to 0.849, 0.84 to 0.909 and 0.749 to 0.861 for expert, intermediate A, intermediate B and trainee observers, respectively. The increase in diagnostic confidence (between the AUC areas) was statistically significant (p=0.036) for the trainee. Accuracy as well as sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, LR+ and LR- were improved using the color scale.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that the use of a color scale instead the conventional grayscale improves the diagnostic confidence, accuracy and inter-observer agreement of the readers, in particular of junior ones, in the diagnosis of ICAD on non-contrast CT.

Endometriosis: Survey of Current Diagnostic and Therapeutic Options and Latest Research Work

Endometriosis is one of the most frequent benign diseases in women of child-bearing age. The main symptoms are chronic upper abdominal pain and infertility. However, the aetiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis are as yet insufficiently clarified. Thus, therapy is mainly symptomatic with laparoscopic surgery being the gold standard. The aim of drug therapy is to achieve a hypo-oestrogenic condition. In cases of severe endometriosis and a desire to have children there is often an indication for assisted reproduction. The present article illustrates almost all current aspects on the diagnosis of and therapy of endometriosis. From the clinical viewpoint, emphasis is placed on the rare cases of deeply infiltrating endometriosis that are, however, accompanied with a high morbidity. Current therapeutic options in cases of infertility are also presented in more detail. Furthermore, special attention is paid to the latest research results from both clinical and basic research fields in order to demonstrate our current knowledge on the pathogenesis and, where possible, potentially related therapeutic options.

Comparison between transvaginal sonography, saline contrast sonovaginography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of posterior deep infiltrating endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical evaluation, transvaginal sonography (TVS), saline contrast sonovaginography (SCSV) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of posterior deep pelvic endometriosis (DPE).

METHODS

Women suspected of having posterior DPE on the basis of subjective symptoms and clinical evaluation underwent digital vaginal and rectal examination, TVS, SCSV and MRI. Laparoscopy was performed and specimens were sent for histological examination. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, as well as positive and negative likelihood ratios were analyzed for each diagnostic method.

RESULTS

Fifty-four out of 102 women suspected of having posterior DPE underwent laparoscopic surgery. Among these, in 46 (85.2%) cases DPE was confirmed at laparoscopic and histological examination. SCSV correctly identified 43 (93.5%) cases, presenting higher accuracy than did the other procedures. SCSV and MRI were more accurate in diagnosing and discriminating between the different locations of endometriotic lesions, with respective sensitivities of 94.7 and 73.1% for vaginal fornix, 88.9 and 66.7% for the uterosacral ligaments and 80.6 and 83.3% for involvement of the rectovaginal septum. The specificity of SCSV and MRI, respectively, was 97.1 and 94.3% for vaginal fornix, 95.6 and 95.6% for uterosacral ligaments and 100 and 77.8% for involvement of the rectovaginal septum. In the diagnosis of rectal endometriosis, we found a sensitivity of 66.7% for both techniques and specificity of 93.8% for SCSV and 95.8% for MRI.

CONCLUSION

TVS should be used as the first-line diagnostic technique and SCSV and/or MRI as second-line methods in the diagnosis of posterior DPE.

MRI and "tenderness guided" transvaginal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of recto-sigmoid endometriosis

PURPOSE

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of MRI and "tenderness-guided" transvaginal ultrasonography (tg-TVUS) in the identification of recto-sigmoid endometriosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Institutional Review Board approval for this study was obtained, and written informed consent was given by all patients. This study is compliant with the STARD (Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy) method. Fifty-nine patients (mean age, 33 years; range, 21-44 years) with clinical suspicion of deep pelvic endometriosis were prospectively enrolled. They underwent tg-TVUS and MRI before surgery. The characteristics of the MRI signal were analyzed. Mapping of recto-sigmoid endometriosis was performed and tg-TVUS and MR imaging results were compared with surgical and pathological findings. Sensitivity, specificity, and the positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR+ and LR-) were calculated. Inter-technique concordance was assessed using the Cohen statistic, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were obtained. Logistic regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of recto-sigmoid endometriosis was 51%. The specificity, sensitivity, and LR+ and LR- were 90%, 73%, 7.089 and 0.297, respectively, for MRI and 86%, 73%, 5.317 and 0.309, respectively, for tg-TVUS. The presence of a high T1 signal spot was an excellent specific finding (100%) but was associated with a low sensitivity (30%). Inter-technique concordance using the Cohen statistic indicated a kappa value of 0.658 (± 0.098 SD). According to the logistic regression equation obtained, the use of both tg-TVUS and MRI allows optimal diagnostic performance.

CONCLUSION

MRI and tg-TVUS show similar results in the identification of recto-sigmoid endometriosis. The Cohen kappa value suggests that these methods may have complementary roles in the identification of recto-sigmoid endometriosis, depending on the site affected.