Rectal endoscopic ultrasound with a radial probe in the assessment of rectovaginal endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the accuracy of rectal endoscopic ultrasound and to evaluate endometriosis in the rectovaginal septum, rectum, and sigmoid walls.


METHODS
Validation of diagnostic test (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).


METHODS
Tertiary care hospital.


METHODS
Thirty-two consecutive women clinically suspected of having rectovaginal septum endometriosis without previous surgical treatment.


METHODS
Colonoscopy, transrectal ultrasound, and rectal endoscopic ultrasound, followed by laparoscopy or laparotomy.


RESULTS
The disease was classified according to 1996 standards of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Images obtained by colonoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, and surgery and histologic findings were compared. In 6 patients endometriosis infiltrated bowel muscularis wall, in 20 it infiltrated rectovaginal septum, and in the remaining 6 there was no evidence of lesions. In all women in whom infiltration of the intestinal wall was suspected, rectal endoscopic ultrasound and colonoscopy confirmed the lesions (sensitivity 100%, specificity 67%).


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopic ultrasound was useful in preoperative assessment of women with endometriosis.
Abrão
Mauricio Simões
MS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.
Neme
Rosa Maria
RM
Averbach
Marcelo
M
Petta
Carlos Alberto
CA
Aldrighi
José Mendes
JM
D000328:Adult; D003113:Colonoscopy; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D019160:Endosonography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D012007:Rectum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery