MRI for endometriosis

[Andreasol]

Hi just after people’s experiences with scanning for endometriosis please? I’ve had two ultrasounds and both were clear. Has anyone had clear ultrasounds but gone on to have something show on an MRI? I have been trying to get pregnant for 18 months and initially just had heavy periods and cramping for the first couple of days but now I get back ache a week before, really bad pains, constipation, shooting pains in my leg and a stabbing or pinching pain in my right ovary area (even when not on my period). I understand the only way is to get a laporoscopy but I would have to fund privately and was told it could reduce my egg count and as I’m 42 that could cause issues. I cannot afford IVF . I am prepared to pay and have a laporoscopy but would like to go in with as much info as possible. Do MRIs pick up endometriosis? The consultant said as the ultrasound was clear it’s likely to be superficial endo ( I’m not sure if that means minor ??)

Thanks in advance x

[white61]

I had an MRI scan that showed I had endometriosis, went in to have surgery and no endometriosis was shown so my surgery was ‘clear’. I know an MRI scan can show more detail than an ultrasound scan but the scans won’t give a diagnosis it just tells us if there is possible endometriosis shown, but now I’m baffled with what to do as my surgery was clear so it’s all a bit confusing

[Tangoandmax in reply to white61]

I’d ask for a second opinion. Subject access request images from surgery and speak to a specialist/alternate one.

[Tangoandmax]

Hello, I had seven years of perfectly normal ultrasounds. The problem is the people not the scan. Most practitioners aren’t trained enough to spot the signs so unless obvious with a chocolate cyst, you’re likely fine. NOT.

I had a specialist one which resulted in a highly likely Adeno and Endo diagnosis. I then was taken seriously, had an MRI which showed deep infiltrating endometriosis and ovary attached to stuff. I’ve since had surgery and had endo confirmed by biopsies.

Always make sure those reviewing/reporting on scans are a specialist in Endo or at least have a special interest. I will say, I paid private for a specialist consult based on MRI results and they said they didn’t see anything wrong. Surgery has proved otherwise. Finding the right consultant is like finding a needle in a haystack but they do exist.

Good luck x