MR Imaging of endometriosis: A pictorial review

Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity(1-3). This endometrial tissue may be located in the ovaries as endometriomas and/or as extraperitoneal/subperitoneal implants(3,4). When implant depth is greater than 5 mm, condition is referred to as deep endometriosis(3,4). It represents a common cause of pelvic pain and infertility in young women(1-3). Surgery remains the best treatment option, so pre-operative evaluation to assess the extent of disease is essential(3,4). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive, non-ionizing radiation method, offering high contrast resolution,which allows multiplanar evaluation of endometriosis, thus facilitating a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment(2-4). Radiologists have to be familiar with MR imaging appearance of endometriosis, in order to guide clinicians and provide adequate information to assure accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of this entity.