Reliable clinical and sonographic findings in the diagnosis of abdominal wall endometriosis near cesarean section scar

Table 1 Clinical data of patients with large and small scar endometriomas

Clinical data	L-SE (13 cases with 13 nodules)	S-SE (17 cases with 20 nodules)	P
Mean age (yr) (range)	31.3 (22-39)	30.8 (20-42)	NS
No. of cesarean sections (range)	1.8 (1-3)	1.5 (1-3)	NS
Time since last cesarean section (mo)	66.0 ± 29.5	39.6 ± 18.0	< 0.01
Onset of symptoms (mo before admission)	43.0 ± 29.0	17.4 ± 20.0	< 0.01
Known pelvic endometriosis	2	1	NS
Previous pelvic/abdominal surgery	2	0	NS
Inconclusive previous diagnostic exams1	5	0	< 0.05
Continuous pain	4	2	NS
Cyclic pain	8	14	NS

¹Either computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging/Fine Needle Biopsy/laparoscopy. L-SE: Large scar endometrioma; S-SE: Small scar endometrioma; NS: Not significant.

Table 2 Sonographic color Doppler findings in patients with large and small scar endometriomas

	L-SE (13 nodules)	S-SE (20 nodules)	P
US findings
Size (mean ± SD)	41.3 ± 9.02	18.2 ± 5.17
Echotexture
Hypoechoic with hyperechoic spots/strands	11	19	NS
Cystic portions and/or fistulous tract	7	1	< 0.02
Peripheral hyperechoic ring (absent/present)	1/12	7/13	NS
Margins (spiculated-infiltrating)	9	14	NS
Loss of oval or round shape	4	0	< 0.04
Color doppler findings
Resistive index (mean ± SD)	0.75 ± 0.08	0.66 ± 0.16	NS
Multiple vascular pedicles	8	2	< 0.04
Central vascularisation	8	2	<0.04

L-SE: Large scar endometrioma; S-SE: Small scar endometrioma; NS: Not significant.