Can diffusion and T2 star-weighted magnetic resonance imaging aid in the diagnosis of ectopic endometrium?

Abstract Background Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disorder characterized by the implantation of endometrial tissue ectopically outside cavity. It affects about 10% females at childbearing period and estimated to be present up 20–50% in women complaining infertility. While laparoscopy considered mainstay for diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) recognized as useful tool definitive pre-surgical planning, determining whether patient will require multi-specialty involvement. The aim this study evaluate performance MRI with addition diffusion-weighted (DWI) T2 star (T2*) conventional MRI, accurate assessment ectopic endometrium. Results Endometriotic lesions that showed diffusion restriction on DWI were 80.7%, 96.1% endometriotic had signal voids T2*W sequence, whereas only 65.4% typical intensities T1WI T2WI. Diagnostic examination was improved use sequence better T2* compared MR protocol sensitivity (SE) = 96.12% specificity (SP) 85.7% T2*-weighted images, SE 80.7% SP 71.4% DWI, MRI. P value 0.1, which no statistical significance ( p < 0.05). 0.016, statistically significant T2*WI 0.001, more 0.05) could adequately correlated laparoscopy. Conclusion significantly increase diagnostic accuracy allowing detection hemorrhagic character lesions. Studies large sample size are needed confirm they can replace invasive diagnosis endometriosis.