How Can Adenomyosis Be Diagnosed?
Adenomyosis is frequently an incidental, clinically unsuspected finding in uteri removed for other reasons. Occasionally adenomyosis is diagnosed by an hysterosalpingogram (pelvic x-ray after filling the uterus with a contrast medium). The x-ray may show the diagnostic sign of contrast-filled spaces in the uterine wall. However, this finding is not consistently present and its extent on the x-ray may not reflect the extent of the disease. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) has more recently proved to be an effective diagnostic modality, capable of detecting the presence and extent of adenomyosis and distinguishing it from fibroids. Pelvic MRI should be performed with the IV contrast medium Gadolinium and include contiguous 4mm sections through the uterus. High resolution transvaginal ultrasound, in expert hands, also provides accurate diagnosis. Overall, both MRI and ultrasound (in expert hands) detect adenomyosis in over 90% of cases. Adenomyosis is a relatively common condition. It mus
