Catamenial pneumothorax: case report and a review of the literature.

Catamenial pneumothorax, a rare but well documented syndrome of recurrent perimenstrual pneumothorax, is being reported with increasing frequency, probably because of increased awareness. Its pathogenesis remains enigmatic but may be associated with hormonal influcences, including the prostaglandins. Its right-sided predilection remains a mystery. the experience of 42 cases in the literature as well as a new case is presented. A rational approach to this interesting syndrome is discussed. Ovulatory suppression should be attempted before thoracotomy and pleurodesis are considered.