Imaging of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common cause of chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea and infertility. Although 6–10% of women of child bearing age are affected by the disease, and even more in the group of patients with fertility problems, diagnosis is often delayed and treatment can be challenging. Depending on the complaints, extent of disease and the goals of treatment (fertility treatment, pain reduction, …), both medical and surgical options are available for the management of this pathology and often a multidisciplinary approach will be necessary. Although diagnostic laparoscopy with histologic confirmation remains the golden standard for diagnosis, several imaging techniques can aid in the preoperative surgery planning. This presentation will focus mainly on the use of magnetic resonance imaging in the work-up of endometriosis.