Color doppler velocimetry of the uterine and ovarian arteries in different stages of endometriosis

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to establish a role for echography and to assess whether color Doppler velocimetry of the uterine and ovarian arteries may have application either as a screening or a diagnostic tool in different stages of endometriosis. Fifty women with primary infertility were subjected to premenstrual diagnostic laparoscopy with premenstrual and postmenstrual evaluation of CA 125, transvaginal ultrasonography [TVS] and color Doppler velocimetry for uterine and ovarian arteries. Endometriosis was diagnosed in 42% of the studied population. Plasma CA 125 levels were significantly high in women with endometriosis with sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 75%. Sensitivity in the detection of focal implants by TVS was 14% which was poor. It was concluded that the use of CA 125 as well as color Doppler velocimetry can improve the diagnostic accuracy of TVS. Also, they can be noninvasive screening and diagnostic methods for different stages of endometriosis. In addition, they may be helpful in detecting the recurrence of endometriosis in post-therapy follow up, thus allowing more timely intervention