[Roentgen diagnosis of colorectal endometriosis]

Preoperative diagnosis of symptomatic colorectal endometriosis is often difficult. Hence, the x-ray findings of eight woman patients with confirmed affection of the colon with endometriosis foci were evaluated together with the clinical, surgical and histological findings. In 50% of the cases rectal haemorrhages were the most frequently occurring sign. In three-quarters of the cases the colon sigmoideum was involved. Radiologically it was possible to prove in 37.5% each of the cases that there was a polypoid lesion and an irregular concentric stenosis of the intestinal lumen. In 25% of the cases we found a complete stenosis of the intestinal lumen combined with ileus. X-ray sign pattern of colorectal endometriosis, however, is not pathognomonic.