Advances in Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Endometriosis

Key Content High‐quality ultrasound has been proven to be highly accurate in diagnosing ovarian endometriomas and deep endometriosis. Despite strong evidence supporting routine use of ultrasound, there is currently still heavy reliance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and laparoscopy for endometriosis diagnosis in the United Kingdom. While MRI remains a valuable tool in endometriosis diagnosis due to its multiplanar imaging capability and operator‐independence, overreliance without integrating ultrasound can contribute to diagnostic delays and increased healthcare costs. Adoption of high‐quality ultrasound could better streamline endometriosis care and improve patient experience by reducing diagnostic delays, facilitating wider use of medical treatment, reducing costs, and avoiding invasive tests. Learning Objectives Understand how high‐quality ultrasound differs from standard ultrasound in evaluating deep endometriosis. Understand the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for different subtypes of endometriosis. Understand the current limitations of ultrasound in endometriosis diagnosis and recognise strategies to address them. Ethical Issues An overfocus on endometriosis as a cause for pelvic pain can lead to other gynaecological and non‐gynaecological causes being overlooked. This can delay appropriate treatment and prolong suffering. High‐quality ultrasound for endometriosis is currently not equally available across centres in the United Kingdom as it requires specialised training and expertise. Unequal access raises concerns about health inequalities in timely diagnosis and treatment depending on geographic location or socio‐economic status.