Magnetic Resonance Roadmap in Detecting and Staging Endometriosis: Usual and Unusual Localizations

Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by the presence of abnormal endometrial tissue outside the uterus. These misplaced cells are responsible for inflammation, symptoms, scar tissue and adhesions. Endometriosis manifests mainly in three patterns: superficial peritoneal lesions (SUP), ovarian endometriomas (OMA) and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). It also exhibits atypical and extremely rare localization. The updated 2022 guidelines of the ESHRE recommend using both ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as first-line diagnostic tests. Currently, MRI provides a more complete view of the pelvis anatomy. The aim of our review is to provide radiologists with a “map” that can help them in reporting pelvic MRI scans in patients with endometriosis. We will illustrate the usual and unusual localizations of endometriosis (categorized into compartments) using post-operative imaging, and we will focus on the role of MRI, the main sequences and the use of contrast agents.

Keywords

• endometriosis
• MRI
• deep pelvic endometriosis
• endometrioma
• adenomyosis
• post-operative imaging