title: Transvaginal ultrasonography combined with water-contrast in the rectum in the diagnosis of rectovaginal endometriosis infiltrating the bowel.
abstract: This prospective study evaluated the efficacy of transvaginal ultrasonography combined with water-contrast in the rectum (RWC-TVS) in the diagnosis of rectal infiltration in 35 women with rectovaginal endometriosis; ultrasonographic findings were compared with surgery and histology. The sensitivity of RWC-TVS in identifying rectal infiltration reaching at least the muscular layer was 100%, the specificity was 85.7%, the positive predictive value was 91.3%, and the negative predictive value was 100%. In 4 of 5 (80.0%) nodules reaching the submucosa, the depth of infiltration was underestimated by RWC-TVS. The RWC-TVS reliably determined the largest diameter of the endometriotic nodules and was well tolerated by the patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, San Martino Hospital, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Mario Valenzano
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Menada
authors.forename: Valentino
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Remorgida
authors.forename: Luiza Helena
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Abbamonte
authors.forename: Ezio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fulcheri
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ragni
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ferrero
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D014867:Water