Abstract
Deep infiltrating (or pelvic) endometriosis may involve the uterosacral ligaments, the rectum, the vagina and rectovaginal septum, the pouch of Douglas and, occasionally, the bladder. Assessment by physical examination is difficult, and MRI is the best technique to evaluate the location and extent of deep infiltrating endometriosis. In this review, we describe the MRI techniques used in this setting, recall MRI criteria for the diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis, and assess the relevance and accuracy of MRI by comparison with other noninvasive imaging techniques for diagnosing specific locations of deep infiltrating endometriosis.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.