Catamenial pneumothorax. Is it time to approach differently?

Abstract

Catamenial pneumothorax CP was considered a rare clinical entity that has gained tremendous interest recently. It is commonly overlooked, misdiagnosed, or under diagnosed. It is part of the thoracic endometriosis syndrome, which includes catamenial hemothorax, catamenial hemoptysis, and pulmonary endometriosis. These represent the spectrum of ectopic pelvic endometriosis. The presentation is variable leading to difficulty in developing a standardized approach to diagnosis and management. This review discusses the pathogenesis of these entities and the novel methods of investigation, management, and clinical protocols.