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Pelvic endometriosis and hydroureteronephrosis
Luca Carmignani1, Paolo Vercellini, Matteo Spinelli
1Department of Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. luca.carmignani@unimi.it
Fertility and Sterility
|February 10, 2009
Summary
Routine renal ultrasonography may detect silent ureteral involvement in endometriosis patients. Over half of patients with ureteral issues were asymptomatic, highlighting the need for diagnostic evaluation to prevent renal damage.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Urology
- Radiology
Background:
- Pelvic endometriosis can lead to silent ureteral involvement.
- Early detection is crucial to prevent renal damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of routine renal ultrasonography in detecting ureteral involvement in patients with pelvic endometriosis.
- To assess the prevalence of asymptomatic ureteral compromise.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 750 patients diagnosed with endometriosis.
- Inclusion of routine urinary ultrasound, patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies.
- Focus on identifying ureterohydronephrosis as the main outcome.
Main Results:
- Twenty-three patients (3%) were diagnosed with ureterohydronephrosis via renal ultrasound.
- Over half (56.5%) of patients with ureteral involvement were asymptomatic.
- Symptomatic patients presented with lumbar pain or renal colic.
Conclusions:
- A significant percentage of patients with pelvic endometriosis experience asymptomatic ureteral involvement.
- Routine renal ultrasonography appears necessary for early detection to prevent silent renal loss.
- Further research is needed to establish cost-benefit and identify specific risk factors.
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