Adenomyosis: sonographic findings and diagnostic accuracy

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Gynecologic Pathology
• Diagnostic Ultrasound

Background:

• Adenomyosis is a common gynecologic condition.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
• Pelvic sonography is a primary imaging modality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the diagnostic accuracy of pelvic sonography for adenomyosis.
• To identify and characterize sonographic features indicative of adenomyosis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 51 patients with suspected adenomyosis based on sonography.
• Correlation of sonographic findings with hysterectomy pathology reports.
• Analysis of specific sonographic features: myometrial texture, uterine shape, cystic spaces, endometrial stripe.

Main Results:

• Pelvic sonography correctly identified adenomyosis in 84.3% of cases (43/51).
• Common sonographic findings included heterogeneous myometrium (100%), globular uterus (95%), myometrial lucent areas (82%), and indistinct endometrial stripe (82%).
• Misdiagnoses were associated with fibroids or endometriosis.

Conclusions:

• Pelvic sonography is an accurate tool for diagnosing adenomyosis.
• Characteristic sonographic features can reliably suggest the presence of adenomyosis.
• Awareness of differential diagnoses is important for sonographic interpretation.