Can an Endometriosis on Ultrasound Diagnosis be Accurate: What to Expect
Endometriosis is a prevalent gynecological condition affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide.
Despite its common occurrence, diagnosing Endometriosis can be difficult due to its varied symptoms and the absence of definitive diagnostic tests.
There are invasive and non-invasive techniques used to diagnose health conditions, and many prefer the latter types, such as imaging techniques.
But can imaging techniques like an ultrasound detect Endometriosis?
This article explores the possibility of diagnosing Endometriosis on ultrasound and shares information about the signs to look out for.
Can you see Endometriosis on ultrasound
Ultrasound, particularly Transvaginal Sonography (TVS), is a valuable tool for detecting Endometriosis.
It helps identify endometriomas, Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis (DIE), and other associated abnormalities.
An ultrasound examination for Endometriosis involves inserting a transvaginal ultrasound probe into the vagina to get detailed images of the pelvic organs.
This allows the healthcare provider to visualize any abnormalities.
A trained radiologist or gynecologist will assess the pelvic organs’ size, shape, and texture and look for abnormalities indicative of Endometriosis.
This will help your doctor suggest the ideal Endometriosis treatment for you.
How accurate is ultrasound in detecting Endometriosis
Research shows that ultrasound, especially Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS/TVUS), has high diagnostic accuracy for detecting Endometriosis, making it a reliable first-line imaging modality.
The accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosing Endometriosis is affected by factors such as the technician’s expertise, the ultrasound machine’s quality, and the Endometriosis’s location and severity.
Recent studies have shown that TVUS has a high diagnostic accuracy for Endometriosis, with an overall sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 79% compared to direct surgical diagnosis.
However, an ultrasound may not detect all types of endometrial tissue, especially tiny pieces or superficial lesions.
Superficial lesions of Endometriosis, which look like small “blood splatters” that are implanted in various areas in the pelvis, cannot be diagnosed with ultrasound.
Therefore, you might want to know how to test for Endometriosis more accurately in case of a misdiagnosis.
The accuracy of TVUS can be improved by using advanced ultrasonographic techniques such as:
- Pelvic organ mobility
- Sliding sig
- Rectal water contrast
- Tenderness-guided ultrasound, and
- Bowel preparation
In cases where symptoms persist despite a negative ultrasound, laparoscopy should be considered for diagnosis and treatment.
TVUS can help in preoperative planning and assessing the extent of the disease and its spread to other organs.
Transvaginal ultrasound can be used to determine the stage of Endometriosis using the #ENZIAN classification system without the need for invasive procedures.
Ultrasound is preferred for its non-invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, and ability to provide real-time imaging, aiding in the early detection and management of Endometriosis.
Endometriosis ultrasound images: What to Look For
Imaging with ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that produces images of the interior of the body using sound vibrations.
It is widely used in gynecology to assess pelvic organs, such as the ovaries, uterus, and surrounding structures.
Ultrasound has its benefits and can be used to detect various signs of Endometriosis that will be not there in a normal Endometriosis image.
Endometriosis ultrasound vs normal
Ultrasound images may reveal endometriomas (chocolate cysts), irregular pelvic anatomy, and characteristic signs of Endometriosis, which won’t be there in a normal person without the condition.
You may want to start an Endometriosis diet to manage symptoms better.
On ultrasound, Endometriosis appears as a mass or cystic lesion with a characteristic “ground glass” appearance.
Other signs include thickening of the uterosacral ligaments, endometrial implants, and distortion of the pelvic anatomy.
The condition is at its most severe in stage 4 Endometriosis, indicating that endometrial tissue may grow in multiple places.
In Stage 4 Endometriosis Ultrasound or MRI in severe cases, images may show extensive adhesions, distorted pelvic anatomy, and large endometriomas.
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What to expect during an ultrasound examination
The examination is painless and non-invasive.
To get better pictures, you might be asked to shift positions or hold your breath for a little while.
During an ultrasound examination, you can expect the following:
- Preparation: Before the ultrasound, you may be asked to drink water and avoid urinating to ensure a full bladder. This helps provide clearer images of the pelvic organs
- Procedure: You will be told to lie down, and a gel will be put on the skin over the spot that needs to be looked at. The ultrasound professional will then move a transducer, a portable device, across the skin to take pictures
- Duration: The test usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes, but it depends on the type of ultrasound being done
- Post-procedure: After the examination, you may be able to resume normal activities immediately
- Interpretation: The ultrasound images will be interpreted by a radiologist or a healthcare provider, and your healthcare provider will let you know the results
If you get a positive diagnosis, your doctor may suggest hormonal medications like Norethindrone for Endometriosis symptoms.
You might also benefit from reading about Endometriosis self-care to take care of yourself at home.
Conclusion
Endometriosis is a widespread gynecological disorder that impacts women globally who are of reproductive age.
Since Endometriosis has a wide range of symptoms and there are no reliable diagnostic tests, diagnosing the condition can be difficult.
However, imaging techniques like ultrasound, particularly Transvaginal Sonography (TVS), are valuable tools for detecting Endometriosis.
Ultrasound can help identify masses, tissue, and cysts, likely signs of Endometriosis, particularly in the ovaries and pelvic cavity.
Research shows that ultrasound, especially TVS/TVUS, has high diagnostic accuracy for detecting Endometriosis, making it a reliable first-line imaging modality.
The accuracy of ultrasound in diagnosing Endometriosis is affected by factors such as the technician’s expertise, the ultrasound machine’s quality, and the Endometriosis’s location and severity.
Therefore, if you suspect you have Endometriosis, you should consult a healthcare provider who can perform an ultrasound examination and interpret the results accurately.
