Pelvic Endometriosis: Spectrum of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It is a common cause of pelvic pain and infertility among reproductive age women. Although laparoscopy remains the reference standard for diagnosis, this invasive procedure provides little information on subperitoneal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Seminars in ultrasound, CT, and MRI CT, and MRI, 2015-08, Vol.36 (4), p.385-393
Main Authors: de Venecia, Carla, MD, Ascher, Susan M., MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Endometriosis - pathology
Female
Humans
Image Enhancement - methods
Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods
Patient Positioning - methods
Pelvis - pathology
Radiology
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Summary:Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It is a common cause of pelvic pain and infertility among reproductive age women. Although laparoscopy remains the reference standard for diagnosis, this invasive procedure provides little information on subperitoneal extent of disease or areas hidden by adhesions. In contrast, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a comprehensive, noninvasive survey of the pelvis with simultaneous tissue characterization. In this article, we review the spectrum of MRI findings in pelvic endometriosis and discuss common complications associated with the disease. Radiologists should be familiar with the spectrum of MRI findings of pelvic endometriosis so that they can provide meaningful information that will guide treatment and future laparoscopic examinations.
ISSN:0887-2171
1558-5034
DOI:10.1053/j.sult.2015.05.001