Imaging of endometrial pathology

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Gynecologic Imaging
• Endometrial Pathology

Background:

• The endometrium undergoes cyclical changes during the menstrual cycle and atrophies post-menopause.
• Accurate interpretation of endometrial imaging requires knowledge of the normal spectrum of appearances.
• Pathologic conditions can mimic normal or abnormal endometrial findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the imaging features of the normal and abnormal endometrium.
• To discuss conditions that may mimic endometrial pathology.
• To emphasize the primary imaging modalities for endometrial evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging features of the endometrium.
• Emphasis on ultrasound with sonohysterography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Discussion of complementary roles of hysterosalpingography, computed tomography (CT), and 18-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET).

Main Results:

• Detailed description of normal endometrial imaging characteristics across different phases and age groups.
• Illustration of common endometrial pathologies and their characteristic imaging findings.
• Identification of conditions that can simulate endometrial pathology on imaging.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound with sonohysterography and MRI are the preferred modalities for endometrial evaluation.
• Familiarity with normal endometrial imaging is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
• Awareness of potential mimics improves diagnostic specificity in gynecologic imaging.