MRI vs. Transvaginal Ultrasound in Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Diagnosis

This study focuses on improving the diagnosis and surgical planning for women with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), a condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it, causing pain and fertility issues. Women of reproductive age are the primary group affected by this condition. Traditionally, diagnosing endometriosis takes several years, partly due to the invasiveness of the gold-standard diagnostic method, laparoscopy. However, non-invasive imaging techniques such as transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have shown promise in reducing this delay. This study specifically aims to evaluate how well TVS performs in detecting DIE before surgery and examines whether adding MRI could improve surgical planning. Participants in this study undergo TVS to assess the presence of DIE, with findings being compared to actual surgical observations to measure the accuracy of this imaging technique. The study evaluates how well TVS identifies the location and extent of endometriosis lesions using the #ENZIAN classification system. Additionally, the study investigates if including MRI alongside TVS provides better insights for preoperative planning, especially in complex cases requiring coordination between different surgical specialists. The goal is to determine the best approach to ensure effective treatment and management, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.