Catamenial pneumothorax: a case report

Abstract

Introduction- Catamenial pneumothorax, an extremely rare condition, is defined as the accumulation of air in the pleural cavity occurring in conjunction with menstrual periods and during ovulation. It accounts in only 3- 6 %. This is primarily caused by endometriosis of pleura. It is seen in 30- 40 years aged women. Case report- A 35-year-old non-smoker female came to OPD in the department of Respiratory Medicine with complaints of chest pain, breathlessness with dry cough with history of uterine endometriosis. She underwent investigations and diagnosed as a case of pleural endometriosis and managed conservatively. She came with recurrence after 3 months and treated surgically. Discussion- Patient initially was managed with chest tube insertion and hormonal therapy. Later on she had recurrence so she underwent VATS and pleurodesis and recovered well with no complications. Conclusion- Catamenial pneumothorax is a very rare condition which has multidisciplinary management i.e. can be managed by hormonal therapy, chest tube insertion, surgery or in combination.