CAR/CSAR Practice Statement on Pelvic MRI for Endometriosis

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Gynecology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Pelvic ultrasound is crucial for diagnosing endometriosis.
• Pelvic MRI is a valuable alternative when ultrasound is unavailable or insufficient.
• Lack of standardized MRI protocols hinders consistent endometriosis diagnosis in Canada.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop standardized recommendations for pelvic MRI in diagnosing endometriosis.
• To ensure quality and consistency in MRI technique and interpretation across Canada.
• To improve patient care through optimized imaging practices.

Main Methods:

• Formation of the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) Endometriosis Working Group.
• Review of existing literature and clinical practices.
• Development of consensus-based guidelines for MRI technique, patient preparation, and structured reporting.

Main Results:

• Established comprehensive guidelines for pelvic MRI in endometriosis assessment.
• Provided recommendations for standardized imaging protocols and patient preparation.
• Suggested a framework for structured reporting of pelvic MRI findings for endometriosis.

Conclusions:

• Standardized pelvic MRI protocols are essential for accurate endometriosis diagnosis.
• These guidelines aim to enhance imaging quality and patient outcomes in Canada.
• Implementation of these recommendations will support consistent and high-quality MRI interpretation.