Transvaginal ultrasonography combined with water-contrast in the rectum in the diagnosis of rectovaginal endometriosis infiltrating the bowel

Fertil Steril. 2008 Mar;89(3):699-700. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.07.1336. Epub 2007 Nov 19.

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.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media*
  • Endometriosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Endometriosis / pathology
  • Endometriosis / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intestinal Diseases / pathology
  • Intestinal Diseases / surgery
  • Mucous Membrane / diagnostic imaging
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prospective Studies
  • Rectal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Rectal Diseases / pathology
  • Rectal Diseases / surgery
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Ultrasonography
  • Vaginal Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vaginal Diseases / pathology
  • Vaginal Diseases / surgery
  • Water*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Water