Thoracic endometriosis is a rare form of extrapelvic endometriosis. The mean age of presentation is 35 years, with a range from 19 to 54 years. Catamenial pneumo- thorax is the most common presentation of this disease.
A 44-year-old married lady, with previous two-term, vag- inal deliveries, presented with sudden severe right-sided pleuritic chest pain, and dyspnea, on the 1st day of the period, over the last 2 years. This was initially experienced every two to three cycles but progressed to be symptomatic every month. Her cycles were regular, with no associated dysmenorrhea. On examination, the uterus was found to be irregularly enlarged to 16 weeks. A clinical diagnosis of catamenial pneumothorax was made, which was confirmed by premenstrual and menstrual CT scans (Fig. 1a, b).
The patient was given a trial of depot GnRH injections, with no relief of symptoms. Hence, she was advised hys- terectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy by the pulmonologists.
Intraoperatively, the uterus was irregularly enlarged during 16 weeks with a single large subserous fibroid measuring 8 9 10 cm. Both ovaries showed evidence of endometriosis and were stuck to posterior surface of uterus. The parametrium was thickened and scarred, with bowel adherent to the posterior surface of uterus.
She had an uneventful post-operative period. Four months following surgery, she is asymptomatic with no recurrence of the pneumothorax. She has occasional hot flushes which do not affect her quality of life.
Thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES) is a rare condi- tion, unlike pelvic endometriosis. Catamenial pneumotho- rax is the most common presentation of the disease. Less common presentations are catamenial hemothorax, hem- optysis, and pulmonary nodules [1].
TES may occur independent of pelvic endometriosis. The symptoms occur within the first 24–48 h of onset of menstruation and usually involve the right side of the chest. Chest pain occurs in 90 %, dyspnea in one third, and hemoptysis rarely. The diagnosis is clinical. Imaging con- firms the diagnosis, and CT scan of the thorax may clinch the diagnosis if obtained during menstrual cycle. CA 125 may be elevated [2]. Other diagnostic modalities include bronchial artery angiography, bronchoscopy and video- assisted thoracoscopy.
Definitive management includes hormonal manipulation using contraceptive pills, progestins, danazol, and GnRH analogues, all of which are associated with high recurrence rates. Surgical options include excision of endometrial implants and correction of diaphragmatic defects which may prevent recurrence of catamenial pneumothorax/ hemothorax, though chest pain may recur which then requires hormonal suppression. Refractory disease responds to hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oopho- rectomy [3]. However, adverse effects of oophorectomy need to be considered, as estrogen replacement therapy postoperatively can reactivate dormant thoracic endome- trial tissue.
Conflict of Interest The authors have no conflict of interests.
