Intestinal endometriosis: The great masquerader

Abstract

Chronic symptoms of abdominal pain and irregular bowel habits in women evoke a broad differential diagnosis including irritable bowel syndrome, infection, malabsorption, and inflammatory bowel disease. Endometriosis, a common disorder in young women that can involve the intestinal tract, deserves consideration as well. Intestinal endometriosis is typically asymptomatic; however, when symptoms occur, they can mimic those of irritable bowel syndrome. Identifying intestinal endometriosis can be challenging, but historical points and key clinical features aid in diagnosis.

Laparoscopic Management of Bowel Endometriosis: Predictors of Severe Disease and Recurrence

“…3,4,15,16 Intestinal implantation begins on the serosa and sometimes invades the muscularis propria but rarely affects the mucosa. 4,8,17 …”

A Case of Terminal Ileum Endometriosis with Symptoms of Acute Appendicitis

“…Deep pelvic or infiltrating endometriosis is defined as endometriotic lesions involving the smooth muscle of the uterosacral ligaments or the walls of hollow viscera and is typically associated with marked proliferation of smooth muscle cells and fibrosis 7,8) . The patient's pathological findings showed that the endometriosis mainly invaded the muscle plate and ruptured the inner muscle layer.…”

Endométriose digestive de localisation caecale et invagination intestinale aiguë : à propos d’un cas

“…Les symptômes, quand ils sont présents, sont sujets à une grande variabilité. Skoog et al l'ont ainsi qualifié de grande simulatrice [8].…”