Quantitative MRI method for characterising endometriomas

Motivation: Diagnostic delay and uncertainty are common problems faced by patients suffering from endometriosis. Although laparoscopy remains the gold-standard for diagnosis, quantitative MRI (qMRI) could offer an alternative non-invasive approach. Goal(s): To use qMRI to characterise endometriotic lesions. Approach: Quantitative analysis of multiparametric MRI data (including T1 MOLLI, T2* and PDFF parametric maps) to characterise tissue metrics obtained from patients suffering with chronic pelvic pain who subsequently underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy. Results: Endometriomas have characteristic qMRI values different to other tissues in the female pelvis. Impact: The distinctive parametric characteristics of endometriomas provides a foundation for the development of a non-invasive diagnostic tool that can detect endometriotic lesions within the pelvis.