Transvaginal ultrasound with bowel preparation versus transvaginal ultrasound with bowel preparation and water contrast for diagnosing Recto-Sigmoid endometriosis. A systematic review and Meta-Analysis.
Transvaginal ultrasound is effective in diagnosing endometriosis involving the rectosigmoid bowel. Some authors suggest enhanced detection of rectosigmoid involvement with bowel preparation. Conversely, conflicting views argue that bowel preparation may not improve diagnostic precision, yielding similar results to rectal water contrast. No existing meta-analysis compares these approaches. Our study aims to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of transvaginal ultrasound with bowel preparation, with and without rectal water contrast. Studies published between 2000 and 2023 were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Science. From 561 citations, we selected nine studies to include in this meta-analysis. The study quality was assessed using QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2). The mean prevalence of endometriosis rectosigmoid was 43.6% (range 17,56-76,66%) in the group with bowel preparation and 64,80% (50,0-83,60%) for the group with bowel preparation and rectal water contrast. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 93% and 94% for bowel preparation and 92% and 95% and for bowel preparation with water contrast. We conclude that, there was no significant difference between performing transvaginal ultrasound with intestinal preparation with and without water contrast. In clinical practice, the absence of a significant difference between these methods should be taken into account when making recommendations.
Maderuelo S
，Satorres E
，Arrufat T
，Lourenço M
，Novillo-Del Álamo B
，Guerriero S
，Alcazar JL
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Expert opinion on the use of transvaginal sonography for presurgical staging and classification of endometriosis.
Gynecological ultrasonography plays a central role in the management of endometriosis. The rapid technical development as well as the currently increasing evidence for non-invasive diagnostic methods require an updated compilation of recommendations for the use of ultrasound in the management of endometriosis. The present work aims to highlight the accuracy of sonography for diagnosing and classifying endometriosis and will formulate the present list of key messages and recommendations. This paper aims to demonstrate the accuracy of TVS in the diagnosis and classification of endometriosis and to discuss the clinical applications and consequences of TVS findings for indication, surgical planning and assessment of associated risk factors. (1) Sophisticated ultrasound is the primary imaging modality recommended for suspected endometriosis. The examination procedure should be performed according to the IDEA Consensus. (2) Surgical intervention to confirm the diagnosis alone is not recommended. A preoperative imaging procedure with TVS and/or MRI is strongly recommended. (3) Ultrasound examination does not allow the definitive exclusion of endometriosis. (4) The examination is primarily transvaginal and should always be combined with a speculum and a bimanual examination. (5) Additional transabdominal ultrasonography may enhance the accuracy of the examination in case of extra pelvic disease, extensive findings or limited transvaginal access. (6) Sonographic assessment of both kidneys is mandatory when deep endometriosis (DE) and endometrioma are suspected. (7) Endometriomas are well defined by sonographic criteria. When evaluating the ovaries, the use of IOTA criteria is recommended. (8) The description of sonographic findings of deep endometriosis should be systematically recorded and performed using IDEA terminology. (9) Adenomyosis uteri has sonographically well-defined criteria (MUSA) that allow for detection with high sensitivity and specificity. MRI is not superior to differentiated skilled ultrasonography. (10) Classification of the extent of findings should be done according to the #Enzian classification. The current data situation proves the best possible prediction of the intraoperative situs of endometriosis (exclusive peritoneum) for the non-invasive application of the #Enzian classification. (11) Transvaginal sonographic examination by an experienced examiner is not inferior to MRI diagnostics regarding sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of the extent of deep endometriosis. (12) The major advantage of non-invasive imaging and classification of endometriosis is the differentiated planning or possible avoidance of surgical interventions. The recommendations represent the opinion of experts in the field of non-invasive and invasive diagnostics as well as therapy of endometriosis. They were developed with the participation of the following national and international societies: DEGUM, ÖGUM, SGUM, SEF, AGEM/DGGG, and EEL.
Keckstein J
，Hoopmann M
，Merz E
，Grab D
，Weichert J
，Helmy-Bader S
，Wölfler M
，Bajka M
，Mechsner S
，Schäfer S
，Krentel H
，Hudelist G
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Advancements in Ultrasound Diagnosis of Superficial Endometriosis: Current Challenges and Emerging Techniques.
Endometriosis is a chronic disease characterized by endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Superficial endometriosis (SE) is the most prevalent form, yet it remains underdiagnosed due to subtle clinical and imaging presentations. Traditionally, diagnosis relies on laparoscopy, which is relatively invasive and often contributes to diagnostic delay. With advancements in imaging techniques, especially transvaginal ultrasound (TVS), a reassessment of the diagnostic approach for SE is needed. This review updates the understanding of SE diagnostics and integrates both historical perspectives and contemporary clinical insights.
The review aimed to explore advancements in the diagnosis of SE, focusing on the growing role of TVS as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. Additionally, it seeks to highlight emerging diagnostic challenges and present new approaches to managing SE to offer updated recommendations for clinicians.
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. The following keywords were used: "superficial endometriosis," "diagnostic pathways," "endometriosis diagnosis," "superficial lesions," "transvaginal ultrasound," "laparoscopy," "non-invasive imaging," and "diagnostic accuracy." Only English-language articles were included, focusing on original research, metanalyses, and clinical guidelines, offering historical and current perspectives. In addition to the literature review, contemporary insights were gathered from our clinical practice at a tertiary endometriosis clinic to offer real-world context to the literature findings.
The review highlights TVS as a promising non-invasive method for diagnosing SE. While SE has historically been diagnosed through laparoscopy, TVS is gaining recognition as a valuable tool for detecting SE lesions, particularly through the identification of key sonographic features such as hyperechoic foci and cystic spaces. These advancements help overcome the challenges posed by the variability of SE presentation on imaging. Emerging techniques, such as sonoPODography, further enhance SE diagnosis and offer the potential for broader clinical application. Despite challenges such as the need for operator expertise and variability in lesion presentation, the literature and clinical insights support the growing utility of TVS in diagnosing SE.
TVS has significant potential as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for SE. While limitations such as variability in sensitivity and the need for operator expertise remain, TVS can significantly reduce reliance on invasive methods like laparoscopy. Additionally, the review provides insights into managing cases, where TVS results are negative for SE. In such cases, clinicians must adopt a patient-centered approach that emphasizes symptom management, patient autonomy, and education about possible risks and treatment options. Rather than defaulting to a "watchful waiting" or a "one size fits all" strategy, it is essential to engage patients in shared decision-making, allowing them to make informed choices about further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. This review underscores the importance of integrating TVS into routine diagnostic pathways for SE, improving early detection and enhancing patient care. Future research should focus on refining TVS techniques, establishing standardized diagnostic criteria, and exploring alternative diagnostic strategies for patients with negative imaging results. This approach has the potential to shift the paradigm of SE management, reducing diagnostic delays and empowering patients with a more proactive, informed approach to their care.
Freger SM
，Leonardi M
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ResearchGate
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