TY - JOUR
T1 - From the archives of the AFIP. Endometriosis
T2 - Radiologic-pathologic correlation
AU - Woodward, Paula J.
AU - Sohaey, Roya
AU - Mezzetti, Thomas P.
PY - 2001
Y1 - 2001
N2 - Endometriosis is an important gynecologic disorder primarily affecting women during their reproductive years. Pathologically, it is the result of functional endometrium located outside the uterus. It may vary from microscopic endometriotic implants to large cysts (endometriomas). The physical manifestations are protean, with some patients being asymptomatic and others having disabling pelvic pain, infertility, or adnexal masses. Symptoms do not necessarily correlate with the severity of the disease. Ultrasonographic (US) features are variable and can mimic those of other benign and malignant ovarian lesions. Low-level internal echoes and echogenic wall foci are more specific US features for endometriomas. Magnetic resonance imaging improves diagnostic accuracy, with endometriotic cysts typically appearing with high signal intensity on T1-weighted images and demonstrating "shading" on T2-weighted images. The ovaries are the most common sites affected, but endometriosis can also involve the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, chest, and soft tissues. Small implants and adhesions are not well evaluated radiologically; therefore, laparoscopy remains the standard of reference for diagnosis and staging. Both medical and surgical treatment options are available depending on the patient's specific case.
AB - Endometriosis is an important gynecologic disorder primarily affecting women during their reproductive years. Pathologically, it is the result of functional endometrium located outside the uterus. It may vary from microscopic endometriotic implants to large cysts (endometriomas). The physical manifestations are protean, with some patients being asymptomatic and others having disabling pelvic pain, infertility, or adnexal masses. Symptoms do not necessarily correlate with the severity of the disease. Ultrasonographic (US) features are variable and can mimic those of other benign and malignant ovarian lesions. Low-level internal echoes and echogenic wall foci are more specific US features for endometriomas. Magnetic resonance imaging improves diagnostic accuracy, with endometriotic cysts typically appearing with high signal intensity on T1-weighted images and demonstrating "shading" on T2-weighted images. The ovaries are the most common sites affected, but endometriosis can also involve the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, chest, and soft tissues. Small implants and adhesions are not well evaluated radiologically; therefore, laparoscopy remains the standard of reference for diagnosis and staging. Both medical and surgical treatment options are available depending on the patient's specific case.
KW - Endometriosis, 70.318, 80.3192
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0035220483&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=0035220483&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1148/radiographics.21.1.g01ja14193
DO - 10.1148/radiographics.21.1.g01ja14193
M3 - Article
C2 - 11158655
AN - SCOPUS:0035220483
SN - 0271-5333
VL - 21
SP - 193
EP - 216
JO - Radiographics
JF - Radiographics
IS - 1
ER -