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Date of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Alexia Arhontakis
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disease that affects a multitude of women of childbearing age. The symptoms of endometriosis can significantly impact a woman's quality of life and include things like chronic pelvic pain, indigestion, fatigue, heavy menstrual bleeding, constipation, diarrhea and even infertility. These symptoms are similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pelvic inflammatory disease(PID), uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and more. Because of its resemblance to other conditions and detrimental effects, it is crucial to have quick, easy, efficient diagnostic tools to differentiate endometriosis from other diseases. Currently, the gold standard modality to confirm endometriosis is an exploratory laparoscopy. Though endometriosis is commonly found to be in the lower abdomen or pelvis, it has potential to spread all over the body. Given its ability to spread, similarity to other syndromes, and invasive diagnostic methods, it is important to discover precise, non-invasive ways to confirm endometriosis anywhere in the body. This article aims to provide evidence-based research for non-invasive diagnostic tools to improve early detection and treatment for endometriosis and better patient outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Rhegan, "Non-invasive Modalities to Diagnosing Endometriosis" (2025). Capstone Showcase. 54.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2025/pa/54
Additional Files
CME Capstone Article- Rhegan Johnson.pdf (592 kB)Capstone Poster Presentation - Rhegan Johnson.pptx (1008 kB)
Non-invasive Modalities to Diagnosing Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disease that affects a multitude of women of childbearing age. The symptoms of endometriosis can significantly impact a woman's quality of life and include things like chronic pelvic pain, indigestion, fatigue, heavy menstrual bleeding, constipation, diarrhea and even infertility. These symptoms are similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pelvic inflammatory disease(PID), uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and more. Because of its resemblance to other conditions and detrimental effects, it is crucial to have quick, easy, efficient diagnostic tools to differentiate endometriosis from other diseases. Currently, the gold standard modality to confirm endometriosis is an exploratory laparoscopy. Though endometriosis is commonly found to be in the lower abdomen or pelvis, it has potential to spread all over the body. Given its ability to spread, similarity to other syndromes, and invasive diagnostic methods, it is important to discover precise, non-invasive ways to confirm endometriosis anywhere in the body. This article aims to provide evidence-based research for non-invasive diagnostic tools to improve early detection and treatment for endometriosis and better patient outcomes.