Accuracy of combined physical examination, transvaginal ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose deep endometriosis

Reasons why it is time to change imaging guidelines on endometriosis

In light of the rising number of patients referred for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to suspected endometriosis and the high expectations of these patients, there is a need for new imaging guidelines to optimally protocol and indicate MRI and transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) examinations. This is crucial for accurately addressing the inquiries of gynecologists, encompassing complete mapping and preoperative staging, and facilitating effective communication with patients. In this context, the development of a standardized lexicon, as well as dedicated imaging classifications, is recommended to aid in the comprehensive management of patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The radiologist should use a standardized lexicon and provide a score along with details about the specific compartments affected by endometriosis disease. This helps in offering clearer guidance to the surgeon. KEY POINTS: • An optimal staging is based on the combination of clinical examination, transvaginal US, and MRI. • MRI is able to detect location that is hidden at the beginning of a laparoscopic surgery and thus the need for dedicated MR classifications to correctly stage the disease. • Deep pelvic endometriosis index (dPEI) classification is externally validated and highly correlated with operating time, hospital stay, and postoperative complications.

Ultrasonographic characterization of parametrial endometriosis: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To study the ultrasonographic diagnostic accuracy and characteristics of parametrial endometriosis comprehensively.

DESIGN

This prospective study enrolled patients with suspected deep endometriosis (DE) scheduled for laparoscopic surgical treatment. Preoperative ultrasonographic examinations were performed following the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis criteria. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of parametrial endometriosis and its ultrasonographic characteristics, using surgical diagnosis as the reference standard. Additionally, indirect signs of DE and concomitant DE nodules associated with parametrial involvement were identified, assessing their predictive significance in the anterior, lateral, and posterior parametrial areas.

SETTING

Referral institution for endometriosis.

PATIENTS

Patients with suspected DE scheduled for surgical treatment.

INTERVENTIONS

Standardized preoperative ultrasonographic examination.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound in identifying parametrial endometriosis, including sensitivity and specificity, and the ultrasonographic characteristics of parametrial nodules, prevalence in distinct parametrial areas, and associations with indirect DE signs and concomitant DE nodules.

RESULTS

Surgical confirmation of parametrial nodules was observed in 105 of 545 patients (left, 18.5; right, 17.0%). Transvaginal ultrasound demonstrated a sensitivity of 77.1% (95% confidence interval, 68.0%-84.8%) and specificity of 99.1% (95% confidence interval, 67.7%-99.8%). Parametrial nodules typically exhibited characteristics such as a mild hypoechoic appearance (83.6%), starry morphology (74.7%), irregular margins (70.2%), and low vascularization. The posterior parametrial region was the most common location (52.2%), followed by the lateral (41.0%) and anterior (6.8%) parametrial regions. Concomitant DE nodules in the rectum (63.5%) and infiltrating the rectovaginal septum (56.5%) were significantly more prevalent in patients with parametrial involvement. Indirect DE signs, such as the ovaries fixed to the uterine wall (71.8%) and the absence of a posterior sliding sign (51.8%), were also more common in women with parametrial nodules. Hydronephrosis, although relatively uncommon in patients with parametrial involvement (8.2%), was largely detected in lateral parametrial nodules (70.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents a systematic ultrasonographic characterization of parametrial endometriosis. Specifically, it comprehensively assesses the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound in identifying parametrial involvement within a sizable cohort of patients with preoperative suspicion of DE.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT06017531.

Non-Invasive Imaging Techniques for Diagnosis of Pelvic Deep Endometriosis and Endometriosis Classification Systems: An International Consensus Statement

The International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) and International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) group, the European Endometriosis League (EEL), the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE), the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), the International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ISGE), the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) and the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) elected an international, multidisciplinary panel of gynecological surgeons, sonographers and radiologists, including a steering committee, which searched the literature for relevant articles in order to review the literature and provide evidence-based and clinically relevant statements on the use of imaging techniques for non-invasive diagnosis and classification of pelvic deep endometriosis. Preliminary statements were drafted based on review of the relevant literature. Following two rounds of revisions and voting orchestrated by chairs of the participating societies, consensus statements were finalized. A final version of the document was then resubmitted to the society chairs for approval. Twenty statements were drafted, of which 14 reached strong and three moderate agreement after the first voting round. The remaining three statements were discussed by all members of the steering committee and society chairs and rephrased, followed by an additional round of voting. At the conclusion of the process, 14 statements had strong and five statements moderate agreement, with one statement left in equipoise. This consensus work aims to guide clinicians involved in treating women with suspected endometriosis during patient assessment, counseling and planning of surgical treatment strategies.

Non-invasive imaging techniques for diagnosis of pelvic deep endometriosis and endometriosis classification systems: an International Consensus Statement

The International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) and International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) group, the European Endometriosis League (EEL), the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE), the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), the International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ISGE), the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) and the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) elected an international, multidisciplinary panel of gynecological surgeons, sonographers and radiologists, including a steering committee, which searched the literature for relevant articles in order to review the literature and provide evidence-based and clinically relevant statements on the use of imaging techniques for non-invasive diagnosis and classification of pelvic deep endometriosis. Preliminary statements were drafted based on review of the relevant literature. Following two rounds of revisions and voting orchestrated by chairs of the participating societies, consensus statements were finalized. A final version of the document was then resubmitted to the society chairs for approval. Twenty statements were drafted, of which 14 reached strong and three moderate agreement after the first voting round. The remaining three statements were discussed by all members of the steering committee and society chairs and rephrased, followed by an additional round of voting. At the conclusion of the process, 14 statements had strong and five statements moderate agreement, with one statement left in equipoise. This consensus work aims to guide clinicians involved in treating women with suspected endometriosis during patient assessment, counseling and planning of surgical treatment strategies. © 2024 The Authors. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, by Universa Press, by The International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy, by Oxford University Press on behalf of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and by Elsevier B.V.

Non-invasive imaging techniques for diagnosis of pelvic deep endometriosis and endometriosis classification systems: an International Consensus Statement†,‡

The International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) and International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) group, the European Endometriosis League (EEL), the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE), the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), the International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ISGE), the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) and the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) elected an international, multidisciplinary panel of gynecological surgeons, sonographers and radiologists, including a steering committee, which searched the literature for relevant articles in order to review the literature and provide evidence-based and clinically relevant statements on the use of imaging techniques for non-invasive diagnosis and classification of pelvic deep endometriosis. Preliminary statements were drafted based on a review of the relevant literature. Following two rounds of revisions and voting orchestrated by chairs of the participating societies, consensus statements were finalized. A final version of the document was then resubmitted to the society chairs for approval. Twenty statements were drafted, of which 14 reached strong and three moderate agreement after the first voting round. The remaining three statements were discussed by all members of the steering committee and society chairs and rephrased, followed by an additional round of voting. At the conclusion of the process, 14 statements had strong and five statements moderate agreement, with one statement left in equipoise. This consensus work aims to guide clinicians involved in treating women with suspected endometriosis during patient assessment, counselling and planning of surgical treatment strategies.

Non-invasive imaging techniques for diagnosis of pelvic deep endometriosis and endometriosis classification systems: an International Consensus Statement. Hum Reprod Open 2024;2024:hoae029. [PMID: 38812884 PMCID: PMC11134890 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

The International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) and International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) group, the European Endometriosis League (EEL), the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE), ESHRE, the International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ISGE), the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) and the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) elected an international, multidisciplinary panel of gynecological surgeons, sonographers, and radiologists, including a steering committee, which searched the literature for relevant articles in order to review the literature and provide evidence-based and clinically relevant statements on the use of imaging techniques for non-invasive diagnosis and classification of pelvic deep endometriosis. Preliminary statements were drafted based on review of the relevant literature. Following two rounds of revisions and voting orchestrated by chairs of the participating societies, consensus statements were finalized. A final version of the document was then resubmitted to the society chairs for approval. Twenty statements were drafted, of which 14 reached strong and three moderate agreement after the first voting round. The remaining three statements were discussed by all members of the steering committee and society chairs and rephrased, followed by an additional round of voting. At the conclusion of the process, 14 statements had strong and five statements moderate agreement, with one statement left in equipoise. This consensus work aims to guide clinicians involved in treating women with suspected endometriosis during patient assessment, counselling, and planning of surgical treatment strategies.

Noninvasive diagnostic imaging for endometriosis part 1: a systematic review of recent developments in ultrasound, combination imaging, and artificial intelligence

Endometriosis affects 1 in 9 women and those assigned female at birth. However, it takes 6.4 years to diagnose using the conventional standard of laparoscopy. Noninvasive imaging enables a timelier diagnosis, reducing diagnostic delay as well as the risk and expense of surgery. This review updates the exponentially increasing literature exploring the diagnostic value of endometriosis specialist transvaginal ultrasound (eTVUS), combinations of eTVUS and specialist magnetic resonance imaging, and artificial intelligence. Concentrating on literature that emerged after the publication of the IDEA consensus in 2016, we identified 6192 publications and reviewed 49 studies focused on diagnosing endometriosis using emerging imaging techniques. The diagnostic performance of eTVUS continues to improve but there are still limitations. eTVUS reliably detects ovarian endometriomas, shows high specificity for deep endometriosis and should be considered diagnostic. However, a negative scan cannot preclude endometriosis as eTVUS shows moderate sensitivity scores for deep endometriosis, with the sonographic evaluation of superficial endometriosis still in its infancy. The fast-growing area of artificial intelligence in endometriosis detection is still evolving, but shows great promise, particularly in the area of combined multimodal techniques. We finalize our commentary by exploring the implications of practice change for surgeons, sonographers, radiologists, and fertility specialists. Direct benefits for endometriosis patients include reduced diagnostic delay, better access to targeted therapeutics, higher quality operative procedures, and improved fertility treatment plans.

Endometriosis MR mimickers: T2-hypointense lesions

Endometriosis is a common crippling disease in women of reproductive age. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the cornerstone radiological technique for both the diagnosis and management of endometriosis. While its sensitivity, especially in deep infiltrating endometriosis, is superior to that of ultrasonography, many sources of false-positive results exist, leading to a lack of specificity. Hypointense lesions or pseudo-lesions on T2-weighted images include anatomical variants, fibrous connective tissues, benign and malignant tumors, feces, surgical materials, and post treatment scars which may mimic deep pelvic infiltrating endometriosis. False positives can have a major impact on patient management, from diagnosis to medical or surgical treatment. This educational review aims to help the radiologist acknowledge MRI criteria, pitfalls, and the differential diagnosis of deep pelvic infiltrating endometriosis to reduce false-positive results. Critical relevance statement MRI in deep infiltrating endometriosis has a 23% false-positive rate, leading to misdiagnosis. T2-hypointense lesions primarily result from anatomical variations, fibrous connective tissue, benign and malignant tumors, feces, surgical material, and post-treatment scars. Key points • MRI in DIE has a 23% false-positive rate, leading to potential misdiagnosis.• Anatomical variations, fibrous connective tissues, neoplasms, and surgical alterations are the main sources of T2-hypointense mimickers.• Multisequence interpretation, morphologic assessment, and precise anatomic localization are crucial to prevent overdiagnosis.• Gadolinium injection is beneficial for assessing endometriosis differential diagnosis only in specific conditions.