Multislice computed tomography with colon water distension (MSCT-c) in the study of intestinal and ureteral endometriosis

This study evaluates retrospectively the accuracy and reproducibility of multislice computed tomgraphy with colon water distension (MSCT-c) in diagnosing bowel (BE) and ureteral (UE) endometriosis. Sixty-four patients underwent MSCT-c and videolaparoscopic surgery. Two radiologists reviewed MSCT-c examinations: sensitivity and specificity were calculated, considering histological exam as reference standard. In the BE cases, the degree of bowel wall infiltration was also assessed. Sensitivity and specificity for both readers were 100% and 97.6% for BE and 72.2% and100% for UE; the interobserver agreement was excellent. The degree of bowel wall involvement was correctly defined in 90.9% of cases. MSCT-c is an accurate and reproducible technique but—considering the age of the patients—delivers a nonnegligible radiation dose.