Zeena Makhija1, Michael Marrinan. 1. Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, United Kingdom. profknow171@yahoo.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Considerable controversy exists with regards to the physiopathogenesis of catamenial pneumothorax. The rarity of catamenial pneumothorax makes understanding of its pathophysiology and verification of etiological mechanisms difficult. OBJECTIVE: To contribute evidence to the knowledge base on the pathogenesis of catamenial pneumothorax. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of catamenial pneumothorax with images that substantiate the pore hypothesis as a cause of recurrence of air in the pleural cavity in this patient. CONCLUSION: Our case report contributes evidence that transperitoneal migration of endometrial implants may occur through diaphragmatic fenestrations. Surgical options may be more viable to prevent recurrent pneumothoraces in such patients.
BACKGROUND: Considerable controversy exists with regards to the physiopathogenesis of catamenial pneumothorax. The rarity of catamenial pneumothorax makes understanding of its pathophysiology and verification of etiological mechanisms difficult. OBJECTIVE: To contribute evidence to the knowledge base on the pathogenesis of catamenial pneumothorax. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of catamenial pneumothorax with images that substantiate the pore hypothesis as a cause of recurrence of air in the pleural cavity in this patient. CONCLUSION: Our case report contributes evidence that transperitoneal migration of endometrial implants may occur through diaphragmatic fenestrations. Surgical options may be more viable to prevent recurrent pneumothoraces in such patients.