Adenomyosis and ultrasound: The role of ultrasound and its impact on understanding the disease

Abstract

Transvaginal sonography had a sensitivity of 80–86 %, specificity of 50–96 %, and overall accuracy of 68–86 % for diagnosing diffuse adenomyosis. These figures are poorer in the case of focal adenomyosis or if there are coexistent fibroids. Three dimensional (3D-TVS) transvaginal sonographic signs of adenomyosis are based on the evaluation of the junctional zone on the acquired volume of the uterus in order to obtain the coronal view. Three dimensional transvaginal sonography seems to be more accurate than conventional two dimensional (2D-TVS) ultrasound in detecting adenomyosis. A strong association is found between deep infiltrating endometriosis and the presence of 2D-TVS/3D-TVS features of adenomyosis. A detailed non-invasive diagnosis of the extent of adenomyosis can facilitate the choice of safe and adequate treatment.