title: The importance and perspective of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of endometriosis.
abstract: MR imaging is becoming increasingly important in the assessment of patients with endometriosis. Its multiplanar capabilities and superior soft tissue contrast are particularly useful in the detection of deep infiltrating endometriotic implants. Endometriosis, defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the endometrium, is among the most common gynaecological disorders affecting women in their reproductive age. The diagnosis and evaluation of the extension of endometriosis are difficult only with physical examination and laparoscopy. According to the authors' personal experience, a special MRI technique and some imaging guidelines regarding different anatomical localizations of endometriosis are discussed. This review is a brief presentation of current evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in the evaluation of endometriosis concerning other diagnostic methods, the limitations of MRI and its essential usefulness for preoperative diagnosis of deep pelvic endometriosis, and future perspectives in monitoring this disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 7, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland.
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bianek-Bodzak
authors.affiliation: The Second Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland.
authors.forename: Edyta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Szurowska
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynaecology, Medical University of Gdansk, Kliniczna 1 A, 80-402 Gdansk, Poland.
authors.forename: Sambor
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sawicki
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynaecology, Medical University of Gdansk, Kliniczna 1 A, 80-402 Gdansk, Poland.
authors.forename: Marcin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Liro
mesh_terms: D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods