Left-sided Catamenial Pneumothorax: A Rare Clinical Entity

Abstract

Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is an extremely rare pulmonary pathology seen in women of reproductive age, typically occurring within 72 hours from the onset of menstrual bleeding. Multiple theories have been proposed to explain the etiopathogenesis of CP; however, the exact underlying mechanism remains elusive. More than 90% of reported cases in the literature describe a right-sided presentation of pneumothorax. In this case report, we describe a rare left-sided presentation of CP and discuss the current literature on underlying etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, and available therapeutic modalities for managing this rare clinical entity.

Keywords: catamenial pneumothorax.

Figure 1. Chest x-ray

Chest x-ray (CXR) showing a moderate-sized left pneumothorax with a 2.6 cm gap.