Catamenial pneumothorax


Catamenial pneumothorax is a condition of air leaking into the pleural space occurring in conjunction with menstrual periods, and or during ovulation, believed to be caused primarily by endometriosis of the pleura.

Signs and symptoms

Onset of lung collapse is less than 72 hours after menstruation. Typically, it occurs in women aged 30 to 40 years, but it has been diagnosed in young girls as early as 10 years of age and post menopausal women, most with a history of pelvic endometriosis.

Pathophysiology

attaches within the thoracic cavity, forming chocolate-like cysts. Generally the parietal pleura is involved, but the lung itself, the visceral layer, the diaphragm, and more rarely the tracheobronchial tree may also be afflicted. The mechanism through which endometrial tissue reaches the thorax remains unclear. Defects in the diaphragm, which are found often in affected individuals, could provide an entry path, as could microembolization through pelvic veins.
The cysts can release blood; the endometrial cyst "menstruates" in the lung. Air can move in by an unknown mechanism. The blood and air cause the lung to collapse.

Diagnosis

can be hinted by high recurrence rates of lung collapse in a woman of reproductive age with endometriosis. CA-125 is elevated. Video-assisted thoracoscopy is used for confirmation.

Classification

Catamenial pneumothorax is the most common form of thoracic endometriosis syndrome, which also includes catamenial hemothorax, catamenial hemoptysis, catamenial hemopneumothorax and endometriosis lung nodules, as well as some exceptional presentations.

Treatment

can be a medical emergency, as it can become associated with decreased lung function, and if progressed to tension pneumothorax, potentially fatal. In many cases, catamenial pneumothorax will resolve spontaneously and not require immediate intervention. In more severe cases, a chest tube may be required to release air and/or blood and to allow the lung to re-expand.
Surgery, hormonal treatments and combined approaches have all been proposed, with variable results in terms of short and long term outcome. Surgical removal of the endometrial tissue should be endeavoured during menstruation for optimal visualisation of the cyst. Pleurodesis may also be helpful. Menstruation and accompanying lung collapse can be suppressed with hormone therapy, like with Lupron Depot, danazol or extended cycle combined oral contraceptive pills, or GnRH antagonist medications.

Epidemiology

Some sources claim this entity represents 3 to 6% of pneumothorax in women. In regard of the low incidence of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in women, this is a very rare condition. Hence, many basic textbooks do not mention it, and many doctors have never heard of it. Therefore, catamenial pneumothorax is probably under-recognized.