ABSTRACT
The role of ultrasound in the assessment of endometriosis has in the past been relatively limited. Conventional greyscale two-dimensional (2D) scanning identified the formation of endometriotic cysts on the ovary but offered little indication as to the extent of the disease. Developments such as compound resolution/focusing (CRI), speckle reduction (SRI) and harmonic (HI) imaging functions produce far greater tissue detail and the ability to visualise ovarian and pelvic lesions in the order of only a few millimetres size. The diagnosis of adenomyosis remains a particular issue from a medical imaging point of view. It is reasonable to say that, to date, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is regarded as perhaps the most effective modality in this respect, but presents obvious problems with regard to practical aspects and cost in particular. Advances in transducer design and function afford a more flexible, comprehensive approach to scanning of the female pelvis.
