MRI useful for deep endometriosis

BRUSSELS, July 9 (UPI) -- Radiologists may be able to diagnose deep endometriosis and locate lesions using magnetic resonance imaging prior to surgery, Belgian researchers say.

"Pelvic MRI at 3 Tesla is a non-invasive technique that allows a complete examination of the pelvis," Dr. Nathalie Hottat, the lead author from the Erasme Hospital and the Free University of Brussels said in a statement. "It accurately depicts all locations of deep endometriosis."

Endometriosis is a chronic and painful disease that results when uterine tissue, called endometrium, grows outside the uterus. It can attach to other organs, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowels and bladder, Hottat said.

Deep endometriosis infiltrates areas of the cervix, vagina and/or the colon, and, less frequently, the bladder and ureter. Superficial endometriosis can be treated with laparoscopy, but deep endometriosis sometimes requires complete surgical excision of the lesions, Hottat said.

The researchers studied 41 women, ages 20-46, with suspected endometriosis. Each patient had an MRI performed prior to surgery.

The study, published in the online edition of Radiology, found MRI accurately diagnosed 26 of 27 cases of deep endometriosis. In addition, images accurately depicted specific locations of deep endometrial lesions, the study found.