Medical illustrations in radiologic reports for endometriosis: improving communication with surgeons and patients

Endometriosis is a complex, multicompartmental disease in which accurately conveying the extent of involvement to the surgical team is essential for preoperative planning and patient counseling. In this context, medical illustrations have gained increasing popularity as a valuable complement to traditional radiology reports. These drawings provide a visual summary of imaging findings, which are often lengthy and challenging to interpret in written form alone. By translating complex imaging data into accessible visual representations, illustrations can enhance communication between radiologists and surgeons, ultimately leading to improved surgical outcomes. Surgeons may also use these illustrations during patient consultations to explain the disease's involvement and the planned surgical approach. They can also be applied to patients conservatively managed to monitor treatment efficacy and clinical evolution. This not only improves patient understanding but also saves valuable time during appointments-time that can instead be dedicated to addressing patient concerns and strengthening the physician-patient relationship. Importantly, in modern, patient-centered care models, individuals are encouraged to take an active role in treatment decisions. By helping patients visualize and better understand their condition, medical illustrations empower them to engage more meaningfully in shared decision-making processes. These visual tools enhance treatment adherence and facilitate a more compassionate and efficient clinical workflow. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Endometriosis imaging is complex to communicate due to the multifocal nature of the disease and anatomic distortion. Drawings can complement reports, thereby improving surgical planning and patients' understanding while also enhancing radiologist engagement. KEY POINTS: Endometriosis imaging reporting can be complex, and illustrations can help convey its extent in imaging for effective surgical planning. Medical illustrations also offer multiple benefits for patients, surgeons and radiologists. Multiple tools are currently available to assist with creating drawings, eliminating the need for specific artistic skills.