Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a disease characterized by the migration of endometrial cells (endometrium) outside their physiological location. It is most often concentrated around the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines and other pelvic organs. The disease is chronic, and symptoms can vary. The most common include severe menstrual pain, pain during intercourse, menstrual disorders, lower abdominal pain occurring spontaneously and accompanying defecation.
Endometriosis, according to the latest statistics, affects between 6-15% of the general female population and as many as 5-10% of women of childbearing age. Unfortunately, these are frightening figures for the number of ill women. Despite such high figures, diagnosis is carried out too late. This is mainly due to the lack of facilities that offer to conduct a skillful diagnosis of endometriosis. This has a major impact on subsequent decisions on appropriate treatment.
MR of the lower pelvis – diagnosis of endometriosis
Diagnosis of endometriosis is particularly important, which makes it possible to accurately find the cause of the problems the patient reports. This disease should be differentiated from irritable bowel syndrome, which can give similar symptoms.
There are several methods that can help in the diagnosis, but recent studies determine that magnetic resonance imaging (MR) of the pelvis, performed according to the art ( i.e., the latest guidelines in the search for endometrial foci), has high resolution and higher objectivity than, for example, performing a specific ultrasound test such as TVUS.
Another important functionality of the MRI scan is the ability to determine earlier and more precisely the presence of ovarian endometrial cysts as well as DIE (so-called deep infiltrating endometriosis) and, among other things, to assess the degree of progression, which is crucial in taking further steps regarding treatment and diagnosis.
If endometriosis is confirmed, the doctor will be able to plan further treatment consisting of symptomatic pain relief through urogynecological physiotherapy techniques (performed by a urogynecological therapist(s) – midwife, physiotherapist or doctor after obtaining the appropriate certification), administration of hormonal medications, and, in advanced stages, surgical treatment.
Endometriosis – how to prepare for the test?
Performing a pelvic MR examination targeting endometriosis requires adequate preparation of the patient before the examination itself. The patient will be informed of such preparation and instruction each time she is enrolled for the MR examination. This preparation is crucial, as it determines the much higher quality of the examination and, consequently, the final diagnosis.
In addition, gadolinium contrast agent should be administered during the examination. Another important point is to take with you all medical records pertaining to the pelvis and any previous examinations.
PP DIAGNOSTYKA is one of the very few diagnostic laboratories that performs pelvic examinations for endometriosis. A detailed history is taken from each patient, and the examination is performed and described with due care by qualified medical personnel. The examination takes about 1h due to the abundance of the examination protocol, the quality of the sequences obtained and the way the whole procedure is planned. All this contributes to the excellent quality offered by our facility. For more detailed information, please call: +48 614 439 001