Ultrasound findings in extragenital endometriosis

Abstract

We present a report on ultrasound findings in extragenital endometriosis and a literature review accompanied by illustrations. Intestinal endometriosis should be considered in female patients of reproductive age who present with constipation, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, cramp-like abdominal pain, diarrhoea and pelvic pain. Although definitive preoperative diagnosis of endometriosis is difficult, clinical suspicion and appropriate imaging might prevent extensive surgical procedures with higher morbidity. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is an efficient non-invasive imaging method without any radiation exposure that supports the early diagnosis of intestinal endometriosis and may help assess the vascularization of endometriotic lesions within the distinct layers of the intestinal wall.

Keywords

• guideline
• inflammatory bowel disease
• Crohn disease
• colitis
• diarrhea