Beyond the clinic: the leading role of radiology in the diagnosis of endometriosis: an integrative review

Authors

  • Caroline da Costa Universidade do Vale dos Sinos (Unisinos) Author
  • Aline Correia Zablonsky Universidade Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe (Uniarp) Author
  • Naiana Marques dos Santos Graduanda em Medicina, Universidade Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe (Uniarp) Author
  • Viviane de Souza Nogueira Universidade Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe (Uniarp) Author
  • Carlos Henrique Fernandes Lucena Lopes Universidade Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe (Uniarp) Author
  • Luize Eduarda Garbin Oliveira Universidade Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe (Uniarp) Author
  • Pedro Antônio Ceretta Jung Universidade Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe (Uniarp) Author
  • Robinson Bueno Moreira Universidade Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe (Uniarp) Author
  • Vanessa Domingues Universidade Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe (Uniarp) Author
  • Camilla Helena Teixeira Gelinski Universidade Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe (Uniarp) Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4562-5366
  • Natália Gurgel do Carmo Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília (UnB) Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2164-3078

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69849/x4qyre56

Keywords:

endometriosis, diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, magnetic, resonance imaging

Abstract

This study consists of an integrative literature review analyzing the fundamental role of diagnostic imaging in the management of endometriosis. The research was based on the analysis of articles published between 2021 and 2026, focusing on the effectiveness of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as non-invasive alternatives to laparoscopy, considered the gold standard. It was evidenced that the application of specific protocols, such as the IDEA protocol in TVUS, allowed for a detailed four-step evaluation, from uterine mobility to the identification of deep infiltrating lesions; TRUS demonstrated diagnostic superiority compared to colonoscopy. In the context of MRI, the need for high-resolution TSE-T2w sequences is observed. It is concluded that advanced diagnostic imaging offers significant benefits for therapeutic planning, allowing for precise and early localization of the disease. By providing high sensitivity and specificity, these tests become essential in clinical practice, enabling the definition of appropriate therapeutic approaches and, in many cases, avoiding purely diagnostic surgical interventions.

References

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Published

2026-05-14

How to Cite

Costa, C. da, Zablonsky, A. C., Santos, N. M. dos, Nogueira, V. de S., Lopes, C. H. F. L., Oliveira, L. E. G., Jung, P. A. C., Moreira, R. B., Domingues, V., Gelinski, C. H. T., & Carmo, N. G. do. (2026). Beyond the clinic: the leading role of radiology in the diagnosis of endometriosis: an integrative review. Revista Ft, 30(158), 01-07. https://doi.org/10.69849/x4qyre56