Diagnosis of endometriosis: a second look at the role of biochemical markers

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the accuracy of 3 markers CA-125, CA 19-9 and CRP in the diagnosis of endometriosis especially in virgins or unmarried women with dysmenorrheal and/or oleic pain. 50 no pregnant female patients in the reproductive age undergoing laparoscopy for infertility and/or chronic pelvic were included. Serum CA-125, CA 19-9 and VRP, were assayed twice; during the 1st 3 days of the menstrual cycle, and 7-10 days later. According to laparoscopic results, the study population was divided into cases with early endometriosis group [I, 17 cases]; cases with advanced endometriosis included [group II, 19 cases]; cases with non-endometriotic pelvic inflammations/adhesions, [group III, 13 cases]; and cases with normal laparoscopic findings [group IV, II cases]. Serum levels of all markers were higher in endometriosis group compared to non-endometriotic inflammatory lesions and to controls. CA-125 was the most accurate when measured using during menstruation, CA 19-9 was the least accurate, while CRP menstrual/ preovulatory samples ratio was 100% accurate. Measurement of CRP during menstruation and it the revelatory period could provide an accurate marker for the diagnosis of endometriosis especially in airing or unmarried women with early disease