Role of transvaginal sonography in the detection of endometriomata

Abstract

Endometriosis is a common cause of pelvic pain and infertility in young women. Transvaginal sonography is major means for diagnosing ovarian masses. In our study, we scanned 60 patients with endometriomata who underwent laparotomy or laparoscopy. We compared preoperative ultrasonographic diagnosis with histological reports. The sonographic criteria for the diagnosis of endometriomata were (1) cystic structure with low, homogeneous echogenicity and (2) thick cystic wall with regular margins. In 50 patients, sonography suggested an endometrioma. In 47 cases, the diagnosis was correct. The false‐positive cases were all caused by cystic teratomas with a homogeneous sonographic pattern. Ten false‐negative cases were diagnosed by ultrasonography as functional ovarian cysts (5), teratomas (3), and benign ovarian cystoma (1). Only 1 case of a 5‐mm endometrioma was demonstrated by laparoscopy but not by TVS. The sensitivity of TVS for diagnosing endometriomata was 82.4% and specificity 97.7%; the positive and negative predictive values were 94% and 92.8%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of TVS was 93%. In our experience, TVS is a very specific means for diagnosing endometriomata when the typical pattern is detected; however, the sensitivity of the technique needs to be improved. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.