Poor sensitivity of transvaginal ultrasound markers in diagnosis of superficial endometriosis of the uterosacral ligaments

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the use of transvaginal ultrasound in predicting superficial endometriosis near the uterosacral ligaments, in women with symptoms of endometriosis. Methods: This was a prospective observational pilot study in which women with symptoms of endometriosis underwent detailed pre-operative transvaginal ultrasound to assess the uterosacral ligament area for thickening (‘white line sign’), tenderness and small hypoechoic nodules. Women with deep infiltrating endometriosis were excluded. The test characteristics of transvaginal ultrasound were reported using histologically or visually proven endometriosis near the ipsilateral uterosacral ligament as a referen..