Keywords
bladder endometriosis - endometrioma - endometriosis - MRI - structured reporting - ureteral endometriosis - uterine ligaments
Introduction
Endometriosis is the presence of functional endometrial tissue in ectopic locations, that is, outside the uterine cavity, with an estimated prevalence of 5 to 10%.[1]
[2] The disease is estrogen-dependent, hence seen in the reproductive age group, with a peak incidence between 24 and 29 years.[1] The terms endometriosis and endometriomas are often used interchangeably. Endometriosis is a spectrum of diseases that include ovarian endometriomas, endometrial implants, and adhesions in the pelvic peritoneum and retroperitoneum.[2]
Learning Objectives
This article will address the following:
-
Etiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis.
-
Optimal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol and technique for pelvic endometriosis.
-
Magnetic resonance (MR) signal characteristics and location of pelvic endometriosis.
-
Classification of endometriosis according to location in the pelvis and the imaging appearance.
-
Structured reporting system.
Etiology and Pathogenesis
Etiology and Pathogenesis
There are numerous theories regarding the etiology of endometriosis, which is still unclear. The most accepted theories are the metastatic, metaplastic, and induction theories. Research is still on regarding other factors that may be responsible for the development of endometriosis like growth factor and immunity.[2] Metastatic theory, which is the most widely accepted, states that implants in the pelvic cavity are as a result of metastatic retrograde menstruation of viable endometrial tissue into the pelvic cavity.[3]
[4] This theory is corroborated by the fact that the implants are seen in the dependent portion of the pelvic cavity and are commonly seen when there is an obstruction of antegrade menstrual flow in Mullerian anomalies ([Fig. 1]). The implants which are seen outside the pelvic cavity are believed to be due to metastatic spread of the endometrial tissue via the lymphatics, bloodstream, or iatrogenic spread postsurgery or biopsy.
Fig. 1 (A–C) T2W sag (A), FS T2W (B), and T1W (C) axial images showing a distended vagina filled with hemorrhage due to outflow obstruction (arrow) along with right endometrioma (arrowhead in B and C). FS, fat-suppressed; T1W, T1-weighted; T2W, T2-weighted.
The metaplastic theory supports the differentiation of the remnant Mullerian tissue or serosal surfaces into endometriotic cells. It suggests that the peritoneal cells differentiate into functional endometrial tissue as the endometrial and peritoneal cells are both derived from the coelomic epithelium. This is supported by the fact that endometriosis is also seen in patients with Turner syndrome, gonadal dysgenesis, and uterine agenesis that lack eutopic endometrium.[2]
[4]
The induction theory is a mixture of the metastatic and metaplastic theories which states that the ectopic endometrium secretes tissues that initiate the differentiation.[2]
[4]
Classification of Endometriosis
Classification of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a spectrum of diseases which consist of superficial, deep endometriosis which can be peritoneal or extraperitoneal, ovarian endometriomas, and adhesions. Superficial endometriosis (Sampson’s disease) is deposited on the surface of pelvic organs or the peritoneum which can be hemorrhagic or nonhemorrhagic. The superficial nonhemorrhagic implants are not visible on imaging and are seen only at laparoscopy. They are seen as white, black, or red spots on laparoscopy depending on the degree of scarring, fibrosis, and hemorrhage within the lesion. Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) by definition is a peritoneal implant extending into the retroperitoneum with a depth of more than 5 mm, with a prevalence of approximately 1% in the reproductive age group; 20% of women are affected by endometriosis.[4] It is the solid, infiltrating type, and is the major contributor to female infertility and pelvic pain.
Diagnosis of Endometriosis
Diagnosis of Endometriosis
The presumptive diagnosis of endometriosis is made by imaging. Transvaginal (TVS) and transrectal sonography (TRS) are the first-line imaging modality. TVS is able to pick up implants of 1.5 cm or more. TRS is valuable for the evaluation of the rectosigmoid and rectovaginal septum. It has higher sensitivity than MRI to evaluate the degree of bowel wall infiltration.[4] The overall accuracy of TVS in the detection of DIE is similar to MRI but it requires knowledgeable and experienced operators in interpreting the sliding sign to diagnose adhesions.[5] MRI is the best imaging technique and provides a road map for surgeons of DIE. It is able to pick up lesions hidden by adhesions both in the peritoneal and subperitoneal space. It is performed as a second-line investigation after TVS in complex cases. Definitive diagnosis is made by laparoscopy.
MRI Protocol
Our standard protocol is as per European Society of Urogenital Radiology guidelines.[6] Contrast images were acquired to better illustrate the rectal/ureteral deposits as and when required.
All scans were performed on a 3.0 T scanner (Verio; Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). All patients were scanned irrespective of the menstrual cycle with 4-hour fasting. The patient was placed feet first on the spine coil with the phased array coil placed on the pelvis and images were obtained from the pelvic inlet to 5 cm below the symphysis.
Intravenous (IV) Buscopan (scopolamine-N-butyl bromide) was administered on the table at the time of scanning to reduce bowel peristalsis and uterine contraction.[5]
[6]
[7] No rectal enema was administered. Vaginal gel was given to delineate the fornices in a few cases. Bladder should not be over-distended as that may result in detrusor contractions resulting in image degradation and missing of small parietal nodules.[5]
[6]
[7]
Locations of Endometriosis
Locations of Endometriosis
The common locations of endometriosis are ovarian endometriomas, adhesions at the base of the pouch of Douglas, vesicouterine space, rectovaginal septum, rectosigmoid, urinary bladder, and anterior abdominal wall ([Fig. 2]).[3]
[4]
[5]
Fig. 2 The common sites of endometriotic deposits include anterior abdominal wall (a), ovaries (b), vesicouterine septum (c), rectouterine septum (d), rectum (e), rectovaginal pouch (f).
MRI Features of Ovarian Endometriomas
MRI Features of Ovarian Endometriomas
Endometriomas show high signal on T1 weighted (T1W) images and low signal on T2W images. The characteristic findings include:
-
T2 shading effect: the supernatant displays high signal on T2W images and the dependent portion shows low signal intensity (SI; [Fig. 3]).[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8] This is attributed to the repeated cyclical hemorrhages and high concentrations of methemoglobin, protein, and iron products in endometriomas, hence they are bright on T1W images.
-
T2 dark spots: referred to low SI foci seen along the periphery of the endometriomas due to chronic hemorrhage ([Fig. 4]).
-
T2 dark rim: a hypointense hemosiderin rim is seen around the ovary/endometrioma ([Fig. 5]).
-
Contrast enhancement–peripheral enhancement on IV contrast administration unlike hemorrhagic cysts, which show no enhancement; however, this is not a specific finding.[2]
Fig. 3 (A, B) T2W (A) and FS T1W (B) axial images showing bilateral endometriomas with T2 shading (arrow). FS, fat-suppressed; T1W, T1-weighted; T2W, T2-weighted.
Fig. 4 (A, B) T2W sag (A) and T2W FS axial (B) images showing hypointense nodular areas along the periphery of the endometriomas (arrow)—“T2 dark spot.” Note is also made of a large deep endometriotic deposit in the posterior uterine myometrium (arrowhead). FS, fat-suppressed; T2W, T2-weighted.
Fig. 5 T2W axial image showing the hemosiderin hypointense rim around the right ovary (arrow).
Differential Diagnosis of Ovarian Endometriomas
Differential Diagnosis of Ovarian Endometriomas
-
Functional hemorrhagic cyst (FHC): absence of T2 shading, dark spot, and hypointense rim. Usually unilateral and shows no enhancement, unlike endometriomas which are usually bilateral and multifocal. FHC usually disappears in the 4 to 6 weeks follow-up examination. A study by Balaban et al reported significantly lower apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in endometriotic cysts compared to hemorrhagic cysts.[9]
-
Mature cystic teratoma: show suppression in signal on T1W fat-suppressed (FS) images.
-
Mucinous tumors: show hyperintense signal on T1W pre- and post-FS images but it is lower than that seen in endometriomas.
-
Abscess: diffusion-weighted images (DWIs) cannot differentiate an endometrioma from an abscess as both can restrict; however, endometriomas are bright on T1W FS images, whereas abscesses show low SI ([Fig. 6]). Endometriomas have low SI in parts on ADC because of “T2 blackout effects.”
Fig. 6 (A, B) (A, top row): DWI, ADC, and FS T1W images in the axial plane showing an abscess with restricted diffusion and peripheral T1W hyperintensity (arrow). (B, bottom row): DWI, ADC, and FS T1W images in the axial plane showing an endometrioma with restricted diffusion and T1W hyperintensity (arrowhead). ADC, apparent diffusion coefficient; DWI, diffusion-weighted image; FS, fat-suppressed; T1W, T1-weighted.
MRI Features of DIE
DIEs are commonly overlooked on MRI as they show low SI and are commonly located adjoining normal low T2W SI structures. They are composed of ectopic endometrial glands and stromal cells which induce a dense fibromuscular response. The ectopic endometrial glands appear hyperintense on T2W images and the fibrosis appears low in SI on T2W images ([Fig. 7]).[2] Depending upon the composition of the deposit, the signal will vary on T2W images. If there is hemorrhage within these masses, they will be seen as hyperintense foci on T1W images. Commonly the surrounding fibrosis and smooth muscle hypertrophy may be so extensive that it minimizes the cyclical bleeding within the ectopic endometrial glands and these deposits are seen as spiculated low SI masses. Intracystic blood clots restrict on DWI. On IV contrast administration, the enhancement depends on the degree of inflammatory reaction, glandular tissue, and fibrosis.[4] Adhesions are commonly seen in endometriosis and are composed of fibrotic tissue containing collagen fibroblasts and macrophages, giving a very low signal on MRI. They appear as spiculated strands arranged at confluent angles or with indirect evidence such as abnormal angulations of pelvic organs such as uterus, rectosigmoid, and ovaries, which may be adherent in the cul-de-sac. Hydrosalpinx and nondependent fluid collections are other signs.[2]
[10]
Fig. 7 (A, B) T2W (A) and T1W (B) axial images showing a spiculated mass (short arrow) with internal hyperintense foci suggestive of ectopic endometrial tissue (long arrow) with surrounding hypointensity suggestive of fibrosis and smooth muscle hypertrophy (arrowhead). T1W, T1-weighted; T2W, T2-weighted.
Classification of Deep Endometriosis According to Pelvic Location
Classification of Deep Endometriosis According to Pelvic Location
The pelvic cavity is divided into three compartments: anterior, middle, and posterior, functionally and clinically ([Fig. 8A]).[11]
Fig. 8 (A, B) Sag T2W image (A) showing the anterior, middle, and posterior compartments and (B) T2W sag image showing the prevesical space (arrowhead). Vesicouterine pouch (thin arrow) and the vesico-vaginal septum (solid arrow). T2W, T2-weighted.
Anterior Compartment
It is a virtual space located posterior to the symphysis pubis, with its posterior margin being the anterior surface of the uterus and posterior wall of the bladder. It consists of the urinary bladder, urethra, vesicouterine pouch, and vesicovaginal septum ([Fig. 8B]). The vesicouterine pouch is also known as the anterior cul-de-sac, formed by the reflection of the peritoneum between the dome of the bladder and the uterus. The vesicovaginal septum is a fat-filled space between the bladder and vagina.
Bladder endometriosis is rare with a reported incidence of 20% of cases.[1] It is the most commonly involved organ in the urinary tract followed by ureter, kidney, and urethra. It is often multifocal with the dome and the trigone most frequently involved. It shows low SI on T2W images ([Fig. 9]). Foci of hemorrhage may or may not be seen. Depending on the degree of vesical wall infiltration, it can be intrinsic or extrinsic type. The extrinsic variety is confined to the serosal surface. As the extrinsic vesical endometriosis does not invade the mucosa, MRI may show abnormalities but these are not picked up at cystoscopy. The intrinsic type infiltrates the muscular layer and is seen as mural masses that project into the lumen. These are seen on cystoscopy.
Fig. 9 (A, B) Cor (A) and sag (B) T2W images showing a deep extrinsic deposit on the bladder (arrow in B) with intact mucosa (arrowhead in A). Note that the ovaries are bilaterally normal (arrows in A). T2W, T2-weighted.
The ureters are extraperitoneal, posteromedial to the external iliac vessels, and lateral to the uterosacral ligaments (USLs) in the paracervical space in the pelvis. Ureteral endometriosis is rarely seen with a reported incidence of approximately 10 to 20% of cases.[1] It also is of the extrinsic and intrinsic variety, the most common being the extrinsic which is seen as a dense hypointense signal on T2W images adjoining the ureters ([Fig. 10]).[12] It almost never extends above the pelvic brim. They may or may not be proximal dilatation depending on the degree of fibrosis. Commonly an associated ipsilateral endometrioma or a rectosigmoid nodule >3 cm is seen. Seracchioli et al[13] described two histological patterns of ureteral involvement: fibrotic pattern where only fibrosis was seen on histopathology and endometriotic type characterized by endometrial glands within the ureteral wall and in the periuterine tissues. They found hydroureteronephrosis was significantly associated with the endometriotic pattern, whereas endometriosis in the rectovaginal septum is associated with the fibrotic ureteral type.
Fig. 10 (A–C) Cor (A and B) and axial (C) T2W images showing left-sided hydronephrosis (arrow in A), hydroureter (B), and a spiculated mass encasing the left ureter (arrow in C). T2W, T2-weighted.
Middle Compartment
It consists of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and broad ligament. The ovaries are suspended by the mesovarium which is a double fold of the peritoneum. The broad ligament are also peritoneal folds that suspend the uterus.
Ovarian endometriosis can be superficial implants with adhesions, micro intraovarian endometriomas, or deep implants that have repeated cyclic hemorrhage resulting in endometriomas, also commonly known as chocolate cysts due to its dirty brown contents on laproscopy.[4] Apart from endometriomas, ovarian involvement may also be seen in the form of adhesions. The ovaries are seen pulled posteriorly and are seen adherent to the posterior margin of the uterus also called kissing ovaries ([Fig. 11]). A sudden increase in the size of endometriomas with nodularity along the walls which show restricted diffusion along with thick enhancing septations suggests malignant change. Clear cell carcinoma and endometrioid carcinomas are associated with endometriosis ([Fig. 12]).[14]
Fig. 11 (A, B) T2W sag (A) and axial (B) images showing adherent ovary to the posterior surface of the uterus (arrow in A) and both ovaries puckered posteriorly and to the midline (arrows in B)—kissing ovaries sign. T2W, T2-weighted.
Fig. 12 (A–D) T2W sag (A), cor (B), and T1W axial images without and with FS (C and D), showing an endometrioma (arrows in C and D) with absence of T2W shading and a solid mural nodule (arrows in A and B) suggestive of malignant transformation. FS, fat-suppressed; T1W, T1-weighted; T2W, T2-weighted.
Uterus-DIE of the uterine serosa is seen as low SI on T2W images with small cystic areas. Involvement of the uterus can mimic adenomyosis. The differentiating factor is that the junctional zone appears normal in thickness in invasive endometriosis of the uterus; however, it shows widening more than 12 mm in adenomyosis ([Fig. 13]).[5]
[15] DIE is an “outside-in” process that spares the uterine junctional zone and should not be misdiagnosed as adenomyosis. Adenomyosis in contrast is a process that is an “inside-out process.” It is due to the abnormalities that arise from the interface between the endometrium and the subadjacent myometrium as well as due to the presence of ectopic endometrial and stromal tissue outside the endometrial complex but within the uterus.
Fig. 13 (A, B) T2W sag images (A) showing widening of the junctional zone with diffuse adenomyosis (arrow) and in panel (B) there is a deposit in the posterior serosal surface of the uterus (arrow) with normal thickness of the junctional zone (short arrow). T2W, T2-weighted.
Cervix and vagina: the sensitivity and specificity of MRI for the diagnosis of involvement of the cervix and vagina is 82%. The posterior vaginal fornix is the deepest part of the vagina which is located posterior to the uterine cervix and is the most commonly affected site as it is the most dependent part of the pelvis. Vaginal involvement can be nodular or polypoidal. They are seen as T2W hypointense lesions with cystic internal appearance. These cystic areas normally show T1W hyperintensity ([Fig. 14]). The polypoidal lesions display a T2W hypointense rim due to fibrosis.[9]
[16]
Fig. 14 (A–E) T2W sag image (A) showing a cystic deposit in the posterior cervical lip and extending into the posterior fornix (arrow). T2W axial (B–D), T1W FS axial (C–E), showing similar deposits in the cervix (arrows in B and C) and vagina (D and E). Note is also made of a large deep endometriotic deposit in the posterior uterine myometrium (arrowhead). T2W, T2-weighted.
Tubal involvement is also commonly seen in endometriosis. Hematosalpinx should be considered specific for pelvic endometriosis.[4]
[17]
[18]
[19] The classical T2 shading seen in endometriomas is not often seen in the case of hematosalpinx that occurs in association with endometriosis ([Fig. 15]). This is attributed to the deposit occurring over the surface of the fallopian tubes opposed to the implants within the tubes. Peritubal adhesions and subsequent tubal obstruction occur due to recurrent hemorrhage within the serosal implants.[4]
[18]
Fig. 15 (A–C) T2W (A), T1W (B), and FS T1W (C) images showing a dilated fallopian tube with hemorrhage within it (arrows). FS, fat-suppressed; T1W, T1-weighted; T2W, T2-weighted.
Uterine ligaments: MR has reported sensitivity of 69% and specificity of more than 90% for diagnosis of implants in the USL.[4]
[5]
[19] They are best visualized on T2W images perpendicular to the cervix (discussed in the posterior compartment). The round ligament is more commonly involved on the right side. The explanation for this is the presence of the sigmoid colon which prevents retrograde implantation on the left side. The implants on the ligaments are seen as areas of T2W hypointensity. The ligaments may appear nodular, show significant hypointense signal on T2W images, and measure more than 1 cm ([Fig. 16]).[4]
[5]
[18] Involvement of the extraperitoneal part of the round ligament is seen (canal of Nuck) as a focal round hypointense mass on T2W images.[20]
Fig. 16 (A, B) T2W (A) and T1W (B) axial images showing a normal thread-like round ligament on the left side (arrowhead) and a thickened ligament on the right side (arrow). T1W, T1-weighted; T2W, T2-weighted.
Posterior Compartment
It is a virtual space which is located between the posterior vaginal wall and the anterior rectal wall. It consists of the rectovaginal pouch, rectocervical space, the rectovaginal septum, the uterine torus, as well as the rectosigmoid ([Fig. 17]).
Fig. 17 (A, B) T2W sag images showing the recto-vaginal pouch (arrow in A), the recto-vaginal septum (arrowhead in A), and the retrocervical space (arrow in B). T2W, T2-weighted.
The rectocervical space is also a virtual extraperitoneal space. It is seen behind the cervix in the same plane as the rectovaginal pouch and above the rectovaginal septum.[4]
[5]
[11] It is a common site of deep endometrial deposit and is often associated with the involvement of the USL.
The rectovaginal septum is located between the posterior vaginal wall and the anterior rectal wall and extends from the deepest part of the pouch of Douglas to the perineal body.[4] Its involvement is of three types according to the location: in the septum (10%), posterior fornix of the vagina (65%), and hour glass-shaped lesion invoking the posterior fornix with extension into the anterior rectal wall (25%).[21]
The pouch of Douglas also called the rectovaginal pouch is part of the peritoneal cavity and it is a deep pouch situated between the rectouterine folds. It is the most inferior part of the peritoneal cavity and is seen to cover part of the vagina and rectum. It extends to the middle third of the vagina and is difficult to delineate on MRI in the absence of peritoneal fluid ([Fig. 18A]).[4]
Fig. 18 (A–C) T2W sag (A) image showing a deep deposit on the serosal surface of the uterus extending into the wall of the rectosigmoid (arrow). Oblique T2W axial image showing an endometriotic deposit in the wall of the rectosigmoid with intact mucosa—mushroom sign (arrow). T1W FS axial image (arrow in C) showing foci of hyperintensity consistent with endometriosis. T1W, T1-weighted; T2W, T2-weighted.
The rectosigmoid is the most commonly affected site, followed by appendix, terminal ileum, cecum, and descending colon.[1] Rectosigmoid involvement commonly presents with cyclical hematochezia, constipation, pencil-like stools, and episodes of intestinal subocclusion.[22] The involvement of the rectosigmoid has been described as a “mushroom cap sign” ([Fig. 18]).[22] It is considered a specific finding of solid invasive endometriosis of the rectosigmoid. It is seen as a T2W hypointense lesion involving the serosal surface of the rectum with sparing of the mucosal surface. The low signal intensity base of the mushroom is due to hypertrophy and fibrosis of the muscularis propria, whereas the high signal intensity cap represents the submucosa. The sensitivity of MRI to predict invasion of the muscular propria is 100% and specificity is 75%.[19] It is limited in diagnosing submucosal involvement as edema and endometrial infiltration of the submucosa cannot be differentiated.
Uterine torus is a ridge on the posterior aspect of the cervix where the USLs attach. USL is seen as the in hypointense thread-like bands extending from the uterine torus to the sacrum ([Fig. 19A]). Involvement of the USL is seen as thickening and nodularity of the ligaments with foci of hemorrhage within them ([Fig. 19B]). The involvement of the uterine torus and USLs results in acute retroversion of the uterus or anterior retraction of the rectum due to adhesions.[23]
Fig. 19 (A, B) T2W oblique axial image (A) showing the normal uterosacral ligaments (arrows) and the thickened ligament on the right side with cystic areas within it (arrow in B). T2W, T2-weighted.
Anterior Abdominal Wall
Scar endometriosis occurs as a result of the direct implant of functional endometrial tissue into the anterior abdominal wall during pelvic surgery with a reported incidence of 15 to 44%.[24] It can be cystic, mixed, or solid type. The imaging features depend on the phase of the patient’s menstrual cycle, the chronicity, the degree of fibrosis, amount of bleeding, and associated inflammation ([Fig. 20]).[25] The most common differential diagnosis includes a desmoid tumor. The other differentials include a primary tumor of the muscle, suture granuloma, and lymphoma. The presence of subacute hemorrhage in the endometriotic crypts seen as blooming on gradient images and hyperintensity on T1W images helps differentiate scar endometriosis from other lesions.[25]
Fig. 20 (A–C) T2W sag (A), T1W (B), and gradient (C) axial images showing a spiculated mass in the anterior abdominal wall, involving the rectus abdominis muscle. It shows low SI on T1W and T2W images (arrows in A and B) and blooming on the gradient images (arrow in C), suggestive of blood products. SI, signal intensity; T1W, T1-weighted; T2W, T2-weighted.
Structured Reporting
Structured MRI (SMR) reports are essential to give clear and comprehensive information to the physician, which can help in treatment planning. The reports should be organized according to the anterior, middle, and posterior compartments which are not true anatomical spaces but mirror the surgeon’s approach to treatment and also provide a logical and organized search pattern for the radiologist. [Table 1] provides a detailed checklist that the radiologists can refer to while reporting so as to not overlook or miss any lesion.[26]
Table 1
Structured MRI reporting
|
Anterior compartment
|
|
Lesion size
|
Location
|
Distance from UVJ
|
Hydronephrosis
|
|
Abbreviation: UVJ, ureterovesical junction.
|
|
Bladder
|
If present the size in minimum 2 dimensions
|
Intrinsic/extrinsic
|
Involved/not involved
|
Present/absent
|
|
Ureters
|
If present the size in minimum 2 dimensions
|
Intrinsic/extrinsic
|
In mm/cm
|
Present/absent
|
|
Vesicouterine space
|
If present the size in minimum 2 dimensions
|
|
|
|
|
Vesicovaginal space
|
If present the size in minimum 2 dimensions
|
|
|
|
|
Prevesical space
|
If present the size in minimum 2 dimensions
|
|
|
|
|
Middle compartment
|
|
Ovaries
|
Size of ovaries
|
Presence of follicles
|
Endometriomas: present/absent
Size in three planes
|
Presence/absence of adhesions
Relation to adjoining structures
|
|
Fallopian tubes
|
If dilated then size
|
Dilated/nondilated
|
Hydrosalpinx/hematosalpinx: present/absent
|
Presence/absence of adhesions
Relation to adjoining structures
|
|
Ligaments
|
If thickened then length of involvement
|
|
|
Presence/absence of adhesions
Relation to adjoining structures
|
|
Uterus
|
Size of uterus Anteverted/retroverted Endometrial thickness Junctional zone thickness
|
|
Lesion: present/absent Size, location and depth
|
Presence/absence of adhesions
Relation to adjoining structures
|
|
Cervix
|
|
|
Lesion: present/absent Size, location and depth
|
|
|
Vagina
|
|
|
Lesion: present/absent Size, location and depth
|
|
|
Posterior compartment
|
|
Involved/ not involved
|
Size
|
Adjoining structures
|
|
Rectocervical space
|
Yes/no
|
If present the size in minimum 2 dimensions
|
Adhesions, structures involved
|
|
Anterior rectal wall
|
Yes/no
|
If present the size in minimum 2 dimensions
|
Circumferential/focal, adhesions, structures involved
Muscular layer: invasion present/absent
Distance from anal verge
|
|
Uterosacral ligament
|
Yes/no
|
Length of involvement
|
Nodularity/diffuse involvement
Adhesions, structures involved
|
|
Rectovaginal space/septum
|
Yes/no
|
If present the size in minimum 2 dimensions
|
Adhesions, structures involved
|
|
Other locations
|
|
Sigmoid
|
If present then describe length, size, depth of invasion, and location
|
|
Appendix
|
If present describe size and location
|
|
Abdominal wall
|
If present then describe size and location
|
|
Nerves
|
If involved then describe size and location
|
Conclusion
Endometriosis is a complex benign disease process with varied presentations. It rarely undergoes malignant transformation. Radiologists should be aware of the range of presentations which vary depending on the acuity or chronicity of presentation and the degree of fibrosis. Ultrasonography remains the primary imaging modality, followed by MRI in complex cases. MRI has now emerged as the imaging of choice for deep endometriosis and provides a road map to the surgeon. A SMR helps to organize and standardize reports, and provides essential and precise information to the surgeon.
