BACKGROUND:

The thorax is the most frequent extrapelvic location of endometriosis, although its incidence has not been sufficiently studied. Its pathophysiology has not been fully established, but several theories have been put forward. Catamenial pneumothorax is one of the possible manifestations that make it difficult to establish the diagnosis and indicate treatment.

CLINICAL CASE:

A 31-year-old female patient, with a history of repeated spontaneous pneumothorax, presented for consultation due to dyspnea and chest pain of one month of evolution. Chest X-ray showed a 50% pneumothorax on the right side and the need for thoracostomy. Since the episodes of pneumothorax occurred in catamenial phase, but without being able to establish a clear cause of the clinical picture, diagnostic thoracoscopy with sampling for histopathological study was performed. During the procedure multiple pseudonodular lesions of chronic inflammatory aspect were detected at pleural and lung parenchyma level. The histopathological report was compatible with pleuropulmonary endometriosis; hormonal therapy was indicated. Given the satisfactory clinical evolution and postoperative course without complications, the patient was discharged from the hospital.

CONCLUSION:

Catamenial pneumothorax, as a consequence of pleuropulmonary endometriosis, is a truly exceptional diagnosis and its suspicion should be linked to the menstrual cycle. The medical care of patients with this diagnosis should be interdisciplinary, not only because of the diagnostic strategies but also because of the complexity of the treatment and its follow-up. The treatment of choice usually requires surgical interventions, added to the indication of hormonal medication to prevent recurrences, with favorable success rates. Studies establishing the response of thoracic ectopic endometrial tissue to medical treatment are pending.