Three‐Dimensional Sonographic Characteristics of Deep Endometriosis

Abstract

In the near future, 3D sonography in deep infiltrating endometriosis could be an interesting mode of research with positive effects in everyday clinical practice.

Th1 and Th2 immune responses related to pelvic endometriosis

“…Particularly, in more aggressive, infiltrating forms of the disease, there appears to be a predominant action of cell immunity, with cells, enzymes and cytokines provoking adhesion, infiltration and maintenance of the foci of ectopic endometrial tissue. Deeply infiltrating endometriosis is a major issue in several studies related to this disease, including etiopathogenesis, clinical data, imaging methods and an intense clinical and surgical treatment debate 16,17,18,19,20,21 . There are still some topics that have no consensus, such as the best imaging method for diagnosis of deep lesions (mainly bowel endometriosis) 18,19 and the best option for treatment of these lesions, due to the complication risk related to the more advanced surgical procedures 20,21 .…”

Three-dimensional sonographic diagnosis of abdominal wall endometriosis: a useful tool?

“…The 3D reconstruction clearly showed the irregular shapes and borders of the endometriotic nodule and gave a more exact analysis of the surrounding tissue. With 3D ultrasonography, each side of a nodule can be precisely described: irregular and spiculated margins could be very specific of an endometriosis nodule, as it is the case in deep endometriosis (9). Moreover, the depth of infiltration (in our patient, disruption of the facial plan) can be easily shown.…”

“…Three-dimensional sonography appears to allow a better analysis of endometriotic nodules as they present in deep pelvic endometriosis (9). The 3D reconstruction clearly showed the irregular shapes and borders of the endometriotic nodule and gave a more exact analysis of the surrounding tissue.…”

Clinical Prediction of Deeply Infiltrating Endometriosis before Surgery: Is It Feasible? A Review of the Literature

“…However, analysis of sensitivity and specificity of 3D TVUS for the diagnosis of DIE in specific sites suggests no striking improvement in comparison to two-dimensional TVUS [51, 52]. …”