Endometriosis can be visible on ultrasound, but it depends on various factors such as the size, location, and type of endometriotic lesion.
For example, endometriomas, which are cysts filled with old blood and endometrial tissue, are often visible on ultrasound as well-defined cystic structures with a characteristic “ground glass” appearance. These cysts are typically located within the ovary.
However, superficial peritoneal endometriosis, which involves the growth of endometrial tissue on the surface of organs in the pelvic region, may not be visible on ultrasound because the lesions are very small and not easily detected by imaging.
Additionally, deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), which involves the growth of endometrial tissue into the deeper layers of tissue in the pelvic region, may also not be visible on ultrasound because the lesions are often located in areas that are difficult to image, such as the uterosacral ligaments or the rectovaginal septum.
Overall, while ultrasound can be a useful tool in the diagnosis of endometriosis, it is not always definitive and other diagnostic methods may be needed to confirm the presence of endometriosis.
