The expanding role of sonography for the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis: Results of a large case series

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of the sonographic identification of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) in women presenting with complaints suggestive of DIE. Sonography findings were correlated with subsequent surgical exploration, and histologic verification.MethodsA retrospective observational case series was investigated to document the ability of the use of sonography to accurately detect the presence of deep infiltrating endometriosis. The clinical observations were performed consistent with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) recommendations for observational studies. Recognizing the real‐world office setting for this may introduce the importance of the practical clinical aspects of diagnostic procedures in general.ResultsThree‐dimensional transvaginal sonography was able to accurately identify deep invasive endometriosis in 92% of the 100 women subjectively complaining of the associated symptoms of endometriosis, who underwent sonography, surgical exploration, and pathologic analysis. Additional sonographic evidence of pelvic pathology was found during the course of this investigation, perhaps complementing other means for diagnosing endometriosis.ConclusionThree‐dimensional transvaginal sonography is a diagnostic tool that can effectively identify deep infiltrating endometriosis, which may otherwise go undetected and untreated. These findings should encourage the use of sonography for the detection of this subtype of endometriosis.