What is magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disease that poses many diagnostic challenges for patients and doctors. symptoms They are not always specific, and small changes are easily missed during routine gynecological examinations. Therefore, there is increasing discussion about MRI and its importance in diagnosing endometriosis. Unfortunately, there are currently no official recommendations that clearly define when this test should be performed and the protocol it should follow. In this article, I will try to explain this topic and provide the most important information about the use of MRI in diagnosing endometriosis. However, remember that the diagnostic process should be planned individually, so consider the information presented here as a guide and a starting point for discussions with a specialist, not individual advice.
Magnetic resonance imaging in endometriosis – what does the examination involve?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI for short) is a diagnostic and imaging examination. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to obtain a detailed image of the interior of the area being examined without the need for X-rays.The test is safe, painless, and non-invasive. On time. survey The MRI technician will ask you to lie on your back on a special bed, which will then be moved into the scanner that generates a strong magnetic field. During the examination, your only task is to remain still and breathe calmly. You don't have to worry; you won't feel any pain. The only discomfort you might experience is the rather loud noises of the device – if they're too bothersome, you can ask the person conducting the test for special noise-canceling headphones. If you experience anxiety or fear related to being in confined spaces, also let the medical staff know.
The test typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, and results are available within a few days and are subject to radiological evaluation. Based on the MRI images, an endometriosis specialist can accurately assess the stage of endometriosis and plan further treatment. leczenie.
Magnetic resonance imaging in endometriosis – advantages
The use of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of endometriosis has many potential advantages. High image resolution It allows for precise and detailed imaging of the pelvic and abdominal cavity, revealing even subtle changes. MRI also has the ability to image soft tissue, allowing for the detection of endometriosis in pelvic organs. Its ability to image in multiple planes also reveals changes in hard-to-reach areas.
The biggest advantage, however, is the fact that magnetic resonance imaging allows the diagnosis of deeply infiltrating endometriosis, This is difficult to detect and is one of the most serious forms of endometriosis. Another undoubted benefit is its very high safety profile. Unlike CT scans and X-rays, for example, it does not expose patients to harmful X-ray radiation. This allows MRI to be repeated several times if necessary.
Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of endometriosis – preparation for the examination
An MRI scan doesn't require any special preparation. The most important thing to remember is to wear loose, comfortable clothing without any metal elements (e.g., zippers, buttons, or belts). You can go home immediately after the test. If you're given contrast dye before the scan, remember to drink plenty of water to flush it out of your body.
Detailed instructions on preparation and procedure for the examination can be found directly at centers that perform MRI for endometriosis. There are currently three such centers in Poland:
- Skanmex Medical Center in Wrocław (the test results are described by doctor Katarzyna Domagała-Pękalska),
- Voxel Medical Diagnostic Center in Warsaw (test results described by doctor Tomasz Olesiuk)
- West Pomeranian Oncology Center in Szczecin (the test results are described by Dr. Marrek Turkiewicz).
The first two facilities offer only private testing. However, the Szczecin Center offers both private and National Health Fund (NFZ) testing.
Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of endometriosis – indications
MRI is a very accurate test that could shorten the time to diagnose endometriosis, but costs and limited availability are major limitations. For this reason, it is not widely used in routine procedures. However, MRI is particularly useful in cases where other diagnostic methods (e.g., ultrasound) have not yielded clear answers, but symptoms still suggest endometriosis. It is also used in women suspected of having deep-infiltrating endometriosis. MRI is also recommended prior to elective surgery. MRI plays a significant role in treatment planning, as it depends on the location, size, and depth of endometrial lesions.
Want to learn more about how to diagnose endometriosis? Read our article "How to detect endometriosis” and familiarize yourself with list of recommended specialists.
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most accurate diagnostic methods for endometriosis. It is particularly important when deep-infiltrating endometriosis is suspected. MRI allows not only the detection of endometriotic lesions but also their precise location, size, and stage. This method is non-invasive and safe, but unfortunately, it is expensive and difficult to access. Currently, it is an important element of endometriosis diagnosis in patients for whom other imaging tests have not yielded clear answers.
Źródła:
- Lorusso F. Magnetic resonance imaging for deep infiltrating endometriosis: current concepts, imaging technique and key findings, https://insightsimaging.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13244-021-01054-x [accessed: 17/09/2025]
- Kido A. MRI in the Diagnosis of Endometriosis and Related Diseases, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8961012/
- Endometriosis, https://radiopaedia.org/articles/endometriosis [accessed: 17/09/2025]
- Bekiesińska-Figatowska M. Magnetic resonance imaging as a non-invasive tool for detecting extraovarian endometriosis – own experience, Ginekologia Polska, 2014
- Stępniewska A. Deeply infiltrating endometriosis – a significant clinical problem in gynecology, https://lekarzwojskowy.wim.mil.pl/pdf-145649-71437?filename=71437.pdf [accessed: 17/09/2025]
Aleksandra Dziura
A clinical dietitian, she graduated from the Medical University of Warsaw (undergraduate and graduate studies) and the Institute of Performance Nutrition. She continually expands her knowledge of women's health and nutrition by participating in conferences in Poland and abroad. She takes a holistic approach to working with patients, seeking the root cause of problems rather than simply masking symptoms. For over five years, she has been working with women with endometriosis and adenomyosis.