Jitendar P Vij

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© 2008, Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers

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First Edition: 2008

Typeset at JPBMP typesetting unit

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In spite of vast advances in gynecology, diagnosis of endometriosis remains challenging. Despite an extensive number of new laboratory tests and advances in imaging technologies, at present there are no simple noninvasive diagnostic tests for endo-metriosis. Complete clinical assessment supported by selective and critical use of laboratory and imaging studies may help in the identification of a high-risk patient population. However, in a large proportion of cases, diagnosis of endometriosis requires careful laparoscopic evaluation combined with a thoughtful interpretation of histological examination of excised lesions. Misdiagnoses and under-diagnoses of endometriosis are not only due to the limitations of diagnostic tools but also due to lack of recognition of the symptoms by the patients and physicians. Although in a large proportion of patients, early diagnosis of endometriosis is essential for the formulation of an appropriate treatment plan, one should keep in mind that detection of endometriosis in asymptomatic women does not automatically necessitate medical or surgical management. IV pyelography, CT, MRI is not specific or adequate for diagnosis. However, these can be performed to support the diagnosis.