title: Intestinal endometriosis: the great masquerader.
abstract: Chronic symptoms of abdominal pain and irregular bowel habits in women evoke a broad differential diagnosis including irritable bowel syndrome, infection, malabsorption, and inflammatory bowel disease. Endometriosis, a common disorder in young women that can involve the intestinal tract, deserves consideration as well. Intestinal endometriosis is typically asymptomatic; however, when symptoms occur, they can mimic those of irritable bowel syndrome. Identifying intestinal endometriosis can be challenging, but historical points and key clinical features aid in diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiologic Research Program, Enteric Neuroscience Program, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Charlton 8, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: Suzanne M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Skoog
authors.forename: Amy E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Foxx-Orenstein
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rajan
authors.forename: Donna R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Session
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy