A case of peritoneal tuberculosis. Contribution of mini-endoscopy]

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis in the genital and peritoneal region is increasing in last years. For this reason, the high value and efficacy of laparoscopy using a small caliber endoscope for the diagnosis of this disease, which often presents no specific and heterogeneous clinical features, is underlined. METHODS: A case of peritoneal tuberculosis in a young female presenting fever, asthenia and peritoneal effusion, is reported. Blood tests, X-ray and cytological examination of the peritoneal fluid all failed to point out the right diagnosis. Then multiple biopsies of the peritoneum and the external surface of uterus and ovaries were made using laparoscopy. RESULTS: Laparoscopy clearly showed the miliary nodules. The histology showed multiple granulomas composed by inner caseous necrosis and outer layer of epithelioid histiocytes and Langhans cells, leading thus to the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis. The patient, treated with streptomycin and rifampicin, five months after diagnosis, did not show any feature of tubercular disease. CONCLUSIONS: Because of its safety, laparoscopy is a very useful and powerful diagnostic technique especially in those young women presenting with painful abdominal symptoms without any clear evident cause.     

Fractalkine in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of fractalkine in the ascites and the association between fractalkine levels in the ascites and endometriosis. METHODS: Peritoneal fluids and peripheral blood samples were obtained from patients undergoing laparoscopy for infertility work-up or laparoscopic cystectomy. Three samples of peritoneum were obtained from patients undergoing hysterectomy. Western blotting, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed. RESULTS: Fractalkine protein was detected in the ascites. Positive staining was confirmed in peritoneal surface cells and perivascular cells of the peritoneum. CX3CR1 positive cells were present in the cells in the peritoneal fluid. The fractalkine concentrations in the ascites of patients with endometriosis were lower than those without endometriosis. There was no significant difference between serum fractalkine levels in patients with and without endometriosis. CONCLUSION: The decreased level of fractalkine found in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis.     

Abdominopelvic tuberculosis in gynaecology: laparoscopical and new laboratory findings

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) is a rare curable infective disease, caused mainly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which in abdominopelvic (AP) localisation, can mimic a disseminated carcinomatosis. Symptoms of AP-TB are non-specific, so diagnosis is difficult and elusive as the affected patients have normal chest X-ray and elevated levels of CA125. Female ultrasonographic features of AP-TB mimic peritoneal carcinomatosis, and the computed tomography has also been suggested to be helpful, but the final diagnosis was reached by histology and serology. AIM OF THE STUDY: To propose the validity of the combination of laparoscopy (LPS), histopathology and enzyme-linked immuno-spot (ELIspot) in the diagnosis of AP-TB. METHODS: In the last two years, we had six women with suspect of AP-TB, who, after the routine exams, were referred for a diagnostic LPS that revealed turbid-free fluid in pelvis or ascites (collected for serology), multiple peritoneal and/or bowel tubercles (randomly sampled), fibrous bands, adhesions, hyperaemic and oedematous bowel loops. RESULTS: LPS diagnosis was confirmed by intra-LPS biopsy of nodules and histological examination of specimens: epithelioid granulomas with central caseous necrosis in five patients (83.3%) and a non-caseating granulomatous inflammation in the last one. An outer layer of epithelioid histiocytes and Langhans cells was present in all patients. Using the ELIspot technique performed on free fluids, the final diagnosis of TB was made in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Even if gynaecological LPS appearance of the peritoneum can mimic other conditions, ELIspot and histopathological exam can confirm the suspect of AP-TB.     

Image-guided biopsy in women with breast cancer presenting with peritoneal carcinomatosis

Abstract.   Hewitt MJ, Hall GD, Wilkinson N, Perren TJ, Lane G, Spencer JA. Image-guided biopsy in women with breast cancer presenting with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2006; 16(Suppl. 1): 108–110.
When women with a history of breast cancer present with peritoneal carcinomatosis, the differential diagnosis lies between recurrent breast cancer or a new primary tumor. This scenario is of particular relevance to women with a BRCA gene mutation, who have a genetic predisposition to develop second primary tumors of the ovary, fallopian tube, and peritoneum. We describe the use of image-guided core biopsy as an alternative to laparoscopy or exploratory laparotomy in providing minimally invasive diagnosis in this increasingly common clinical dilemma.     

Peritoneal tuberculosis mimicking ovarian carcinoma with ascites and elevated serum CA-125: case report and review of literature

Peritoneal tuberculosis is rare in the western world, although its incidence has been increasing in recent years. The presenting signs and symptoms, imaging examinations and CA-125 status in peritoneal tuberculosis may resemble that of ovarian carcinoma. Thus, the possibility of peritoneal tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma, especially in women immigrants from countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis. A case of peritoneal tuberculosis mimicking ovarian carcinoma in a young woman immigrant from India is described. The patient presented with ascites, abdominopelvic masses and elevated serum CA-125 (1,081 U/ml). Laparoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis and no malignancy, and thereby unnecessary extended surgery was avoided. Following treatment with the 4-drug anti-tuberculosis regimen, the patient recovered with disappearance of ascites and abdominopelvic masses, and return of CA-125 to normal range. It is concluded that laparoscopy, if feasible, seems to be a sufficient and safe method to provide diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis.     

Diagnosis of stage I endometriosis: comparing visual inspection to histologic biopsy specimen

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate positive predictive value (PPV) of visual diagnosis at laparoscopy compared with biopsy findings according to severity of endometriosis. DESIGN: Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Academic referral center. PATIENTS: Women who underwent laparoscopic biopsies for suspected endometriosis. INTERVENTIONS: A total of 238 biopsy specimens (73 endometriomas and 165 peritoneal implants) were taken from 104 patients undergoing laparoscopy for evaluation of chronic pelvic pain thought to be caused by endometriosis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Accuracy of laparoscopic findings compared with histology-proved endometriosis by severity of disease and location of endometriotic lesions. Overall PPV per patient was 86.5%, which was 75.8% for stage I disease compared with 89.7%, 100%, and 90.6%, respectively, for disease stages II to IV (p = .037). The PPV per biopsy specimen of stages I to IV endometriosis was 66.1%, 78.0%, 92.0%, and 81.1%, respectively (.049). When endometriomas and peritoneal biopsy specimens were analyzed separately, no difference in PPV existed (79% vs 77%; p = .67). CONCLUSION: High overall PPV existed in our study, especially in patients with advanced disease. The PPV per patient was higher than the PPV per biopsy specimen indicating that ability to diagnose endometriosis may be improved by performing multiple biopsies. This is particularly true in stage I where failure to confirm may be greatest.     

Chronic abdominal pains caused by peritoneal tuberculosis - two case reports]

Chronic abdominal pains caused by peritoneal tuberculosis - two case reports.The diagnosis of a peritoneal tuberculosis could be a demanding task for even an experienced Physician, because of the unspecific symptoms. We report on two patients, who as a result of therapy refractory chronic abdominal pains, weight loss and ascites were admitted to our hospital. The excisional biopsy taken from the peritoneum and the omentum major during an exploratory laparotomy resulted in the histopathologic diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis being made. Both patients were given tuberculostatic therapy with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyracinamide and streptomycin and both have since recovered. The symptoms, the difficulties encountered in making the diagnosis and the therapy of the peritoneal tuberculosis are discussed using these two case reports.     

Primary malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum: a clinical and immunohistochemical study

BACKGROUND: Primary peritoneal mesothelioma is regarded as a fatal disease that presents with progressive ascites at a relatively late stage of its natural history. Differential diagnosis between this rare tumor and both serous papillary carcinoma of the peritoneum and ovary can be problematic. CASE: A 54-year-old woman presented to our institution with a 4-month history of dull epigastric pain and increased abdominal girth. Exploratory laparotomy revealed the presence of extensive intraperitoneal dissemination of a malignant neoplasm without a recognizable primary site. Suboptimal cytoreduction was carried out, and histological diagnosis was that of a malignant epithelioid mesothelioma. This was confirmed with a panel of immunohistochemical markers. The patient despite having a complete response after adjuvant chemotherapy died 18 months after primary surgery. CONCLUSION: No single immunohistochemical stain is pathognomonic of peritoneal primary malignant mesothelioma (PMM), and the results of a panel of antibodies should be interpreted to set the diagnosis.     

Endometriosis with massive hemorrhagic ascites: a case report and review of the literature

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. It generally involves the peritoneum, ovaries and rectovaginal septum. Its characteristic symptoms include dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia and infertility. It may also involve the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract or extra abdominal sites, giving rise to a wide variety of clinical symptoms such as bloody stools, renal haemorrhage, hemoptysis and pleural effusion during menstruation. Recurrent hemorrhagic ascites secondary to endometriosis is an unusual occurrence, 41 cases have been reported since 1954. Here we report an additional case, in order to draw attention to this condition. A 28 years-old black nulligravida woman was seen for the first time in april 2000 with a chief complaint of infertility. Her past medical history was unremarkable. She had regular menses but associated with severe dysmenorrhea. She also recalled abdominal and pelvic pain for several years. She underwent an ovulation induction with gonadotrophin, which resulted in a progressive increase of pelvic pain. A first laparoscopy was performed, revealing voluminous ascites (10 I). Two years later the ascites recurred spontaneously. Ultrasound examination revealed suspect "para uterine masses". A second exploratory laparoscopy showed a voluminous bloody ascites (71), and extensive adhesions. On histologic examination all specimens (peritoneal biopsies) were compatible with endometriosis and ruled out malignancy. Treatment with Gn RH analog was performed and full remission was obtained after 6 months. One year later the ascites recurred again spontaneously, leading to a third laparoscopy in an other medical institution. Histologic examination showed endometrial stromal tissue and fibrous proliferation. Later she became pregnant after in vitro fertilization. In the first trimester of pregnancy, the pelvic ultrasound showed only a small effusion in the pouch of Douglas. Still, the ascites did not progress during pregnancy. The patient was hospitalized from 27 to 33 weeks of gestational age for threatened labor, but she finally had a normal vaginal delivery at 36 weeks of gestational age. Four months later, she had no complaint, but the pelvic ultrasound showed the recurrence of the ascites. She will have a drainage. The future treatement will consists of GnRH analog for about six months, which will be relayed by a long term progestative therapy. A diagnosis of endometriosis should always be considered in middle-age women who presents with bloody ascites. Long follow-up is advisable for patients who undergo conservative treatment because of thehigh risk of recurrence.     

Miliary tuberculous peritonitis mimicking advanced ovarian cancer

Primary peritoneal tuberculosis is a rare presentation of this disease. It is usually associated with ascites and raised CA-125 levels. Occasionally a pelvic mass may be present making the preoperative differential diagnosis from advanced ovarian cancer extremely difficult. Acid-fast stains and special cultures of the ascitic fluid for Mycobacterium tuberculosis are frequently negative, and confirmation of the diagnosis commonly requires histologic examination of biopsy specimens, in which epithelioid granulomas with central caseous necrosis can be identified. We present a case of unexplained pyrexial ascites in a postmenopausal woman in whom the diagnosis of miliary peritoneal tuberculosis was confirmed laparoscopically. The role of noninvasive tools such as measurement of ascitic fluid adenosine deaminase levels is also discussed.     

A case of primary peritoneal serous papillary carcinoma initially presented by massive bilateral pleural effusions

Primary peritoneal serous papillary carcinoma (PSPC) is a rare primary peritoneal tumor. Clinically, PSPC usually presents with general abdominal discomfort resulting from variable amounts of ascites. In a state of small amounts of ascites, initial manifestation of massive bilateral pleural effusion is unusual. A 76-year-old female nonsmoker with no asbestos exposure complained of dyspnea during exercise. Chest radiograph showed a massive bilateral pleural effusion. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed irregular pleural thickening and a small amount of ascites. Abdominopelvic CT revealed nodular thickening of the parietal peritoneum, mesenteric or omental nodules, omental cake, and lymphadenopathy in paraaortic regions. Adenocarcinoma cells were found via cytologic examination in bilateral pleural fluids and ascites. Because the primary site of the adenocarcinoma was not found, a surgical biopsy of the right pleural thickening was performed. The final diagnosis was PSPC. The patient was treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Physicians should be aware of a possibility of PSPC when the radiographic findings show massive bilateral pleural effusion due to pleural carcinomatosis, with high serum levels of CA125.     

Iron overload in the peritoneal cavity of women with pelvic endometriosis

OBJECTIVE: To examine the possible involvement of iron in the physiopathology of endometriosis. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Department of gynecology in a university hospital. PATIENT(S): Seventy patients undergoing laparoscopy. INTERVENTION(S): Collection of peritoneal fluid (n = 57), blood samples, and biopsy samples from endometrium (n = 62) and from endometriotic (n = 33) and normal-appearing peritoneum (n = 53). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Measurement of iron and ferritin in serum and peritoneal fluid and staining of iron deposits with Prussian blue in tissues. RESULT(S): Iron and ferritin concentrations were significantly higher in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis compared with controls during the secretory phase. Higher rates of ferritin and hemosiderin deposits were observed in the peritoneum adjacent to red (100%), black (57%), and white (62%) lesions compared with normal-appearing peritoneum (25%). Deposits were more frequent during the secretory phase than the proliferative phase in healthy peritoneum from controls, whereas they were found throughout the cycle in the vicinity of lesions in patients with endometriosis. Similar rates of iron deposition were observed in the stroma of black and white lesions and in eutopic endometrium from patients with endometriosis. CONCLUSION(S): Iron overload was observed in the cellular and peritoneal fluid compartments of the peritoneal cavity of women with endometriosis. Iron deposits seem to be related to the presence of lesions, suggesting that iron may be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.     

Disseminated peritoneal tuberculosis simulating advanced ovarian cancer: a retrospective study of 17 cases

ObjectivesThe abdominopelvic cavity is one of the common sites for extrapulmonary tubercular infections. The rate of preoperative misdiagnoses between peritoneal tuberculosis (TB) and ovarian cancer is high because of overlapping nonspecific signs and symptoms. We attempted to analyze the experience within our hospital so as to establish the best means of discriminating between peritoneal TB and advanced ovarian cancer.MethodsSeventeen patients diagnosed as having peritoneal TB between July 1986 and December 2008 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of our hospital with the initial presentation simulating advanced ovarian cancer were retrospectively reviewed and evaluated.ResultsPatients’ ages ranged from 24 years to 87 years (median, 38 years). Ten of 17 patients (60%) were younger than 40 years. All patients except one had elevated serum cancer antigen-125 levels with a mean of 358.8 U/mL (range, 12–733 U/mL). Computed tomographic (CT) scans showed ascites with mesenteric or omental stranding in all (100%), enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes in six (35.3%), and an adnexal mass in three (17.6%). Abdominal paracentesis was performed in seven cases, in which the findings revealed lymphocyte-dominant ascites without malignant cells. Surgical intervention by laparotomy was performed in 13 cases (76%) and by laparoscopy in three cases (18%), and a CT-guided peritoneal biopsy was performed in one case (6%). A frozen section was taken from 16 patients but not the patient who received a CT-guided peritoneal biopsy, and all revealed granulomatous inflammation. A final pathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of peritoneal TB. All patients responded to anti-TB treatment.ConclusionsIn view of these data, a clinical diagnosis of peritoneal TB should be considered in a relatively young female with nonspecific symptoms of abdominal distension and wasting, as well as lymphocytic ascites without malignant cells. Laparoscopy or a minilaparotomy to obtain tissue samples for frozen-section analysis may be the most direct and least-invasive approach for a diagnosis, thus avoiding unnecessary extended surgery in these patients.     

腹腔镜窄带成像诊断腹膜型子宫内膜异位症的价值

目的:比较窄谱成像腹腔镜(NBL)和普通白光腹腔镜诊断腹膜型子宫内膜异位症的价值。方法:2008年6月至2008年9月就诊于北京协和医院行腹腔镜手术并经病理确诊为子宫内膜异位患者15例,平均35±6岁,术中首选在普通白光腹腔镜探查盆腔,再用NBI探查。记录所有内异症病灶并照相。以病理诊断为金标准,比较普通白光和NBI腹腔镜对腹膜内异症诊断的准确性。结果:腹膜病灶和正常腹膜活检标本共53份,包括普通白光和NBI腹腔镜下发现的内异症病灶38份及NBI腹腔镜下正常的腹膜随机活检15份,均送病理检查。所有病灶取活检后均以电凝烧灼破坏。(1)38份腹膜内异症的标本中,25份病灶标本病理检查发现内膜腺体或间质,病理阳性率65.8%。15份肉眼观察为正常腹膜标本中,仅1份标本病理检查发现内膜腺体或间质(6.6%);(2)与病理诊断比较,普通白光和NBI腹腔镜诊断腹膜型内异症的敏感度(SEN)分别为69.2%(18/26)和92.3%(24/26);特异度(SPE)为63.0%(17/27)和55.6%(15/27);阳性预测值(PPV)为64.3%(18/28)和66.7%(24/36),阴性预测值(NPV)为68.0%(17/25)和88.2%(15/17)。NBI腹腔镜诊断腹膜内异症的敏感性明显高于普通白光腹腔镜,差异有统计学意义(P=0.038),NPV也有增高,但无统计学差异。结论:NBI腹腔镜能提高腹膜型内异症诊断的敏感性,减少漏诊率。但需扩大样本进一步研究。     

Peritoneal tuberculosis--an uncommon disease that may deceive the gynecologist

Objectives: To document women with peritoneal tuberculosis mimicking ovarian malignancy and to review pertinent literature. Study design: The records of women with peritoneal tuberculosis who were managed at the Soroka Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel between January 2000 and December 2001 were reviewed. Results: Four patients with peritoneal tuberculosis mimicking ovarian malignancy were encountered. Two presented with the classical symptomatology of advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma including ascites, abdominopelvic masses and elevated serum CA-125, and two presented with lower abdominal pain and adnexal mass. Laparoscopy in one patient and laparotomy in three patients revealed peritoneal tuberculosis and no malignancy. Of the three patients who had laparotomy, two underwent unnecessary extended surgery including total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, and one had conservative surgery including unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. All patients were postoperatively treated with quadruple anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. Conclusions: Medical awareness of peritoneal tuberculosis is still lacking and many women with this disease are initially thought to have ovarian malignancy and undergo unnecessary extended surgery. Laparoscopy including biopsies seems to be a sufficient and safe method to provide diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis. If laparoscopy is not feasible, laparotomy should be performed. If no malignancy is detected and the diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis is confirmed, unnecessary extended surgery is avoided and anti-tuberculosis treatment is started.     

Endometriosis: Correlation between histologic and visual findings at laparoscopy

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to correlate the diagnosis of endometriosis on the basis of visualization at laparoscopy with the pathologic diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of 44 patients undergoing laparoscopy for the evaluation of chronic pelvic pain was carried out. All areas suggestive of endometriosis were excised and examined pathologically. Peritoneal biopsy specimens were obtained from areas of normal-appearing peritoneum to rule out microscopic endometriosis. All lesions were identified by anatomic site. Visual and histologic American Fertility Society scores were compared. The positive predictive value, sensitivity, negative predictive value, and specificity were determined for visually identified endometriosis versus the histologic correlate. RESULTS: The mean prevalence of abnormalities visually consistent with endometriosis was 36%, with 18% confirmed histologically. The positive predictive value was 45%; sensitivity, 97%; negative predictive value, 99%; and specificity, 77%; for visual versus histologic diagnosis of endometriosis. Thirty-six percent of the diagnoses were downstaged on the basis of histologic findings. CONCLUSION: A diagnosis of endometriosis should be established only after histologic confirmation.     

Peritoneal tuberculosis mimicking advanced ovarian cancer: a retrospective review of 22 cases

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical, laboratory and diagnostic features in women with peritoneal tuberculosis that resembled advanced ovarian malignancy. METHODS: A retrospective review of women with peritoneal tuberculosis who were managed at TCSB Ankara Etlik Maternity and Women's Health Teaching and Research Hospital from July 1992 to November 2004 was undertaken. RESULTS: Among the 1,826 women treated during the study period, 22 women with peritoneal tuberculosis (1.2%) were identified. The mean age was 36.9 years (range 21-68 years); the mean Ca125 level was 564.95 U/ml (3-2021 U/ml). All patients with peritoneal tuberculosis had ascites, 20 patients (90.91%) had elevated CA125 levels and 17 patients (77.27%) had detectable pelvic masses in the preoperative period. During preoperative diagnostic work-up, pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed and antituberculosis therapy had begun in two of 22 patients (9.09%). Among 20 patients, 11 (55%), 8 (40%) and 1 (5%) underwent exploratory laparotomy, diagnostic laparoscopy and laparoscopy converted to laparotomy due to dense pelvic adhesions, respectively. Since frozen section was not available during the surgery in 5 of 20, 3 patients (10%) underwent extended surgery. Frozen section was performed in 15 patients and revealed chronic granulomatous changes and final pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that the majority of the cases with peritoneal tuberculosis can be diagnosed intraoperatively through the use of frozen section in conjunction with clinical features. Ascites and high levels of Ca125 do not necessarily indicate that the clinical picture is malignant in reproductive women. Laparoscopic tissue biopsy may be a fundamental tool in the management of such cases to avoid extended surgery.     

Surgical staging of carcinoma of the ovaries

One hundred and eighty-seven patients with stages I, II and III optimal (metastatic lesions of less than 3 centimeters) epithelial carcinoma of the ovaries were evaluated preoperatively and had standardized exploration and biopsy. The protocol called for examination and biopsy of the peritoneum, diaphragm, omentum, pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes and aspiration of ascites or peritoneal washings for cytologic examination. Of those patients with metastases to the omentum, the clinical impression did not correlate with pathologic findings in 45 per cent. The findings were similar for diaphragmatic lymph nodes (50 per cent), pelvic lymph nodes (71 per cent) and para-aortic lymph nodes (96 per cent). Nine of 97 patients clinically thought to have stage I disease had the stage elevated to II and III based on pathologic findings. Similarly, 15 patients thought to have stage II were found to have stage III based on histopathologic findings. There were 74 complications in 54 patients, with 29 having at least one complication. Surgical exploration for early stage carcinoma of the ovary should include biopsy of the retroperitoneal pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes, excision of the infracolic omentum, biopsies of pelvic and abdominal peritoneum, including the right diaphragm, and peritoneal cytologic studies.     

Peritoneal flushing and biopsy in laparoscopically diagnosed endometriosis

A series of 74 patients with endoscopically proven endometriosis were selected for evaluation of usefulness of peritoneal flushing and aspiration in the early diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis. Forty-three patients had either an ovarian or a peritoneal biopsy performed after peritoneal lavage. The results indicate that 25% of the washings performed were successful in demonstrating endometrial glands or stroma. On the other hand, 72% of the patients on whom biopsies were performed showed endometrial tissue, and biopsy failures were mainly related to the technical difficulties of the ovarian biopsy. In 46% of the histologically proven cases of endometriosis, peritoneal lavage failed to demonstrate endometrial tissue. Conversely, in 4.6% of the negative biopsy cases, peritoneal lavage showed endometrial glands. We conclude that exfoliative cytology is not a useful tool in the diagnosis of endometriosis. On the other hand, we were able to make the diagnosis by biopsy in more than 70% of the patients on whom biopsies were performed.