What is magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a disease that poses many diagnostic challenges for patients and physicians. Symptoms are not always specific, and minor 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 shed light on this topic and provide the most important information about the use of MRI in diagnosing endometriosis. However, remember that the diagnostic process should be individually planned, 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) is a diagnostic and imaging test. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce 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. During the test, the MRI technician will ask you to lie on your back on a special bed, which will then be moved into the scanner, which generates a strong magnetic field. During the test, your only task is to remain still and breathe calmly. You have nothing to worry about, as you will not feel any pain. The only discomfort you may experience is the rather loud noises of the device. If they are 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 inform the medical staff.
The examination 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.
Magnetic resonance imaging in endometriosis – advantages
The use of MRI in endometriosis diagnosis has many potential advantages. High image resolution allows for precise and detailed images of the pelvic and abdominal cavity, revealing even subtle lesions. MRI also has the ability to image soft tissue, allowing for the detection of endometriosis lesions in pelvic organs. Its ability to image in multiple planes also allows for the visualization of lesions in difficult-to-access areas.
The greatest advantage, however, is that MRI can diagnose deep-seated endometriosis, which is difficult to detect and is one of the most serious forms of endometriosis. Another undeniable benefit is its very high safety profile. Unlike computed tomography (CT) scans and X-rays, 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 highly accurate test that could shorten the time it takes to diagnose endometriosis, but its cost and limited availability are significant limitations. Therefore, it is not widely used in routine care. 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 treatment 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 see our 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.