Endometriomas: diagnostic performance of US

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the diagnostic performance of specific ultrasonographic (US) features in discriminating endometriomas from other adnexal masses.

Materials and methods: Two sonologists independently reviewed the sonograms of 252 adnexal masses in 226 women and recorded US features by using a standardized checklist. The diagnostic performance of specific US features and overall reviewer impression in discriminating endometriomas from other adnexal masses were evaluated.

Results: There were 40 endometriomas. Diffuse low-level internal echoes were present in 38 (95%) endometriomas and 40 (19%) nonendometriomas (positive likelihood ratio, 5). The positive likelihood ratio for the diagnosis of endometrioma increased to 8 if masses with neoplastic features at gray-scale US were excluded, allowing identification of 30 endometriomas (75%). The presence of multilocularity or hyperechoic wall foci further increased the positive likelihood ratio to 48, allowing the identification of 18 endometriomas (45%).

Conclusion: An adnexal mass with diffuse low-level internal echoes and absence of particular neoplastic features is highly likely to be an endometrioma if multilocularity or hyperechoic wall foci are present. A patient with a mass with diffuse low-level internal echoes and other US features may benefit from additional imaging.