Role of color Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of endometriotic cyst

Abstract

We studied the role of color Doppler ultrasonography in the distinction between endometriomas and other adnexal masses. Three hundred and fifty-two ovarian lesions were studied, comparing sonographic diagnosis with pathologic findings. On color Doppler sonography, an endometriotic cyst usually appeared as a cystic lesion with diffuse internal echoes and low vascularization. The sensitivity and specificity of color Doppler transvaginal sonography in detecting endometriotic cysts were 91.8% and 95.3%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 95.5% and 91.5%, respectively. In our experience, transvaginal sonography with color Doppler interrogation is a useful technique in the diagnosis of pathologic ovarian conditions, including cystic endometriosis.