Adolescent endometriosis: clinical insights and imaging considerations

Abstract

Endometriosis is a gynecologic disorder characterized by endometrial-like tissue in ectopic locations, outside of the uterine cavity. In the adolescent population, the diagnosis of endometriosis is often overlooked as a cause of pelvic pain because of limited awareness by both patients and providers and a tendency to undervalue the complaints of pain by both families and caregivers. Although historically diagnosed by laparoscopy, there has been a shift in recent years towards imaging diagnosis. Transvaginal ultrasound is considered the first-line imaging technique for endometriosis in the adult population; however, this minimally invasive procedure is commonly avoided in adolescents, with MRI often used instead. Here, we discuss the clinical presentation and imaging considerations and treatment options involved in adolescents with suspected endometriosis.