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Endometriosis in the postmenopausal female: clinical presentation, imaging features, and management

  • Special Section: Endometriosis
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Abdominal Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Postmenopausal endometriosis is an important clinical entity which is likely under-recognized and in which the Radiologist can play a valuable role. In this review, we describe the clinical presentation and management of postmenopausal endometriosis, appraising the literature and providing case examples. Persons with postmenopausal endometriosis may present with symptoms including pelvic pain or dyschezia, but endometriosis may also be an asymptomatic, incidental finding. Women may or may not have a prior history of endometriosis or a history of symptoms consistent with it. Therapies and conditions which increase exogenous or endogenous estrogen, respectively, increase the risk. Endometriosis can be found in different locations throughout the body, and the possibility of malignancy should be assessed, especially in the postmenopausal population, where age increases cancer risk. Treatment may involve surgery or medical interventions. Guidelines describing appropriate imaging surveillance in these patients are lacking. In the postmenopausal population, Radiologists need to consider endometriosis as a diagnosis, recommend appropriate exams such as MRI and US, and suggest endometriosis-associated malignancies when appropriate, based on classic morphologic features.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Sonia Watson, PhD, and Desiree J. Lanzino, PT, PhD, for their help in editing the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Adela G. Cope

  2. Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Wendaline M. VanBuren & Shannon P. Sheedy

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Cope, A.G., VanBuren, W.M. & Sheedy, S.P. Endometriosis in the postmenopausal female: clinical presentation, imaging features, and management. Abdom Radiol 45, 1790–1799 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-019-02309-4

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