Correlation of the three-dimensional ultrasound findings with pathology in patients with deep pelvic infiltrating endometriosis submitted to surgery

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study aims to correlate the findings of the three-dimensional anorectal ultrasonography (3D-AUS) with pathological findings in patients with deep pelvic infiltrating endometriosis. Methods Prospective study of a series of 40 patients with deep pelvic infiltrating endometriosis diagnosed by three-dimensional anorectal ultrasonography and who were submitted to a laparoscopy. The specimens were examined histologically and compared with the results of the three-dimensional anorectal ultrasonography. The research was conducted between March 2008 and March 2011. Results The results of the examinations were: 72.5% of patients (n = 29) with endometriosis, 12.5% (n = 5) with nonspecific chronic inflammatory reaction, 5% (n = 2) with nonspecific fibrous tissue, 2.5% (n = 1) with adenomyoma, 2.5% (n = 1) with colonic mucosa with foci of recent hemorrhage, edema of lamina propria and superficial erosions, 2.5% (n = 1) with hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles, and the remaining 2.5% (n = 1) with peritoneal tissue within normal limits. Conclusion We conclude that the use of three-dimensional anorectal ultrasonography in patients with deep pelvic infiltrating endometriosis aid in the diagnosis of rectal lesions, when compared with the pathological findings of surgical specimens.