For most patients suffering with symptoms of endometriosis, the average time from symptom onset until diagnosis is 7-12 years.  The requirement for surgery for a definitive diagnosis of endometriosis is associated with a number of disadvantages, including high personal and health care cost, its invasive nature and the need for general anaesthetic.  For young patients in particular, the delay can be exacerbated, as some are reluctant to perform invasive diagnostic procedures such as laparoscopy or transvaginal ultrasound imaging (where the ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina).  Therefore, a non-invasive, diagnostic test would decrease risks for patients by reducing the need for diagnostic surgery, but also reduce the time to diagnosis and improve access to treatment.  

This study will focus on the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), as a non-invasive method of detection of endometriosis.  This study aims to assess the use of MRI as a diagnostic method for endometriosis in adolescents and young adults.

MRI scanner

 

Who can participate?

To participate in this project, you must be:

  • Aged 16-25 years
  • Cared for by a gynaecologist at Epworth HealthCare (Victoria)
  • Clinically suspected of having endometriosis
  • Scheduled for a laparoscopy at Epworth HealthCare (Victoria)

You would not be able to participate in this project if you are/have:

  • Unwilling or unable to provide informed consent
  • Unable to comply with the study protocol
  • Contraindications to MRI (including cardiac implantable electronic devices [pacemakers and defibrillators], metallic intraocular foreign bodies, implantable neurostimulators, cochlear implants, drug infusions, pumps etc)
  • Severe claustrophobia not amenable to medical management
  • Malignancy (cancer)
  • Premenarchal (haven't started periods)
  • Previous laparoscopy for endometriosis or pelvic pain

What does the research involve?

This study has a focus on young patients aged 16-25 and aims to assess MRI as a modality in early stage endometriosis to develop an algorithm for early diagnosis.  Each participant will:

  • be provided information about the study, screened for eligibility and asked for consent to participate.  Those aged under 18 will be consented with their guardian. 
  • have an MRI prior to their scheduled laparoscopy for suspected endometriosis.  MRI reports will be provided to the gynaecologists before surgery.  
  • be asked to complete some brief surveys about their endometriosis symptoms and their MRI experience.  Following their laparoscopy, the gynaecologist will also complete a survey detailing the surgical findings, which will be analysed in comparison to the MRI findings.  
     

How do I get involved?

To learn more about this study please visit our website or call the Julia Argyrou Endometriosis Centre on (03) 9516 2434.

Visit the website