NCT07503938

Ultrasound Characterization of Postmenopausal Endometriosis

Prevalence and Ultrasound Characterization of Endometriosis in Postmenopausal Women Undergoing Routine Gynecological Examination

• Status: Completed
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 492 (actual)
• Sponsor: Simone Ferrero · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 50 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Endometriosis is traditionally considered a disease of reproductive-age women; however, residual lesions may persist after menopause and be detectable at imaging. The prevalence and sonographic characteristics of such findings in postmenopausal women remain poorly defined. This prospective observational study aims to assess the prevalence and ultrasonographic features of findings suggestive of deep endometriosis and endometrioma-like cysts in postmenopausal women undergoing routine gynecological examination using a standardized transvaginal ultrasound protocol. The study also explores clinical factors associated with these findings to improve interpretation and clinical management in this population.

Detailed description

This is a prospective observational study including consecutive postmenopausal women attending gynecological outpatient clinics for routine evaluation. Participants undergo a standardized transvaginal ultrasound performed by an expert operator according to the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) group criteria, with systematic assessment of pelvic compartments and soft markers. Ultrasound findings suggestive of deep endometriosis and/or endometrioma-like cysts are recorded and morphologically characterized. Clinical data, including demographic variables, reproductive history, pain symptoms during reproductive life, and hormonal exposure after menopause, are collected using a structured questionnaire and medical records. The primary objective is to determine the prevalence and describe the sonographic phenotype of suspected endometriosis-related findings in postmenopausal women. Secondary objectives include identifying clinical factors associated with these findings through multivariable analysis and improving the differentiation between benign residual lesions and clinically relevant or suspicious pathology in this setting.

Conditions

• Postmenopausal Endometriosis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Anamnesis	Collection fo clinical data
PROCEDURE	Ultrasonographic evaluation	Ultrasonographic evaluation according to stardardized criteria for detecting endometriosis

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-06-01
• Primary completion: 2025-06-30
• Completion: 2025-09-01
• First posted: 2026-03-31
• Last updated: 2026-03-31

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Italy