An ultrasound study of the prevalence of endometriosis in women
attending for early pregnancy assessment: a prospective observational
study
Abstract
Objective To assess the prevalence of endometriosis using pelvic
ultrasound examination in women attending for early pregnancy care
Design Prospective observational study. Setting A dedicated early
pregnancy unit. Population We included 1341 consecutive women who
attended for an early pregnancy assessment and had transvaginal
ultrasound scans performed by a single clinician. Methods In addition to
the presence of endometriosis on ultrasound scan, we collected data on
patient demographics and concurrent gynaecological conditions. Data
analysis was performed using logistic regression and multivariate
analysis. Main outcome measures The prevalence of endometriosis in
addition to possible associations with demographic and clinical
variables. Results The prevalence of endometriosis in women attending
the early pregnancy unit was 4.9% (95% CI 3.8 – 6.2); In 33/66 (50%,
95% CI 37.9 – 62.1) women with endometriosis, this was a new diagnosis
made for the first time during their early pregnancy scan. The presence
of endometriosis was strongly associated with congenital uterine
anomalies (p < 0.001; OR 5.69, 95% CI 2.17 – 14.9) and
uterine fibroids (p = 0.004; OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.31, 4.28). Conclusions
Endometriosis is present in nearly 5% of women attending for early
pregnancy assessment. In half of the women with endometriosis, the
diagnosis was made for the first time during pregnancy. We propose that
ultrasound may be a useful tool for the detection of endometriosis and
to identify pregnant women who may benefit from specialist antenatal
care. Funding No funding was obtained for this work. Keywords
Endometriosis, Prevalence, Pregnancy, Ultrasonography