[Catamenial pneumothorax due to pulmonary endometriosis]

Laeknabladid. 2021 Jan;107(1):24-27. doi: 10.17992/lbl.2021.01.617.
[Article in Icelandic]

Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic condition causing menstrual pain, irregular bleeding and infertility among women. Although usually in the pelvis, it can manifest in atypical places. We describe a 39-year old woman with a previous endometriosis diagnosis who presented three times on the second menstrual day with dyspnea and chest pain. Imaging showed right-sided pneumothorax on all three occasions. Thoraco-scopy revealed endometriosis-like lesions. Histology was suggestive of endometriosis. After treatment with chemical pleurodesis and hormonal suppression she has remained symptom-free. Diagnosis should be obtained by concomitant thoraco- and laparoscopy with biopsies to verify the disease and give a basis for appropriate treatment.

Keywords: endometriosis; pleurodesis; pneumothorax; thoracic complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Endometriosis* / complications
  • Endometriosis* / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Menstruation
  • Pneumothorax* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumothorax* / etiology

Supplementary concepts

  • Catamenial pneumothorax