Endometrioma: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Endometriosis is a benign, estrogen-dependent gynecological disease that affects 10–15 % of women of the reproductive age, and ovarian endometriosis may manifest as fibrotic implants on the ovarian surface and as peculiar retention cysts characterized by cyclic bleeding called endometriomas. CT and in particular MR are involved in the diagnostic process of endometrioma as second-level step because in a significant percentage of cases, the ultrasonography offers an excellent result. In particular the use of MR may be useful to exclude endometriosis in a woman with pelvic pain or infertility or considering endometrioma in the differential diagnosis of an adnexal mass. In this chapter we will present CT and MR findings of ovarian endometrioma by underlining the specific signs and the newer technological evolutions.