Catamenial pneumothorax

Thoracic Endometriosis: A Review Comparing 480 Patients Based on Catamenial and Noncatamenial Symptoms

OBJECTIVE

This review aimed to categorize thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES) according to whether the presenting symptoms were catamenial and to evaluate whether such a categorization enables a better management strategy.

DATA SOURCES

An electronic search was conducted using the PubMed/Medline database.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

The following keywords were used in combination with the Boolean operators AND OR: "thoracic endometriosis syndrome," "thoracic endometriosis," "diaphragm endometriosis," and "catamenial pneumothorax."

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

The initial search yielded 445 articles. Articles in non-English languages, those whose full texts were unavailable, and those that did not present the symptomatology clearly were further excluded. After these exclusions, the review included 240 articles and 480 patients: 61 patients in the noncatamenial group and 419 patients in the catamenial group. The groups differed significantly in presenting symptoms, surgical treatment techniques, and observed localization of endometriotic loci (p <.05).

CONCLUSION

This review points out the significant differences between patients with TES with catamenial and noncatamenial symptoms. Such categorization and awareness by clinicians of these differences among patients with TES can be helpful in designing a management strategy. When constructing management guidelines, these differences between patients with catamenial and noncatamenial symptoms should be taken into consideration.

Catamenial pneumothorax since introduction of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery : A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Catamenial pneumothorax is an uncommon form of spontaneous pneumothorax in women. The exact epidemiology and pathogenesis remain elusive. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review was to analyze the demographic features, intraoperative findings, treatment methods and outcome in catamenial pneumothorax patients. In addition, we assessed the relationship between catamenial pneumothorax and pelvic endometriosis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A PubMed search of medical literature, published from January 1993 (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery first described in literature) to January 2015, using the keywords "catamenial pneumothorax" was performed. Our study complied with the preferred reporting of items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis principles. A total of 182 patients were included in the analysis, including 4 patients treated at our institution.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The inclusion criteria of were recurrent (at least two) episodes of spontaneous pneumothorax in relation to onset of menses.

DATA SELECTION AND ANALYSIS

Age at time of diagnosis, side affected, diagnosis of pulmonary endometriosis, intraoperative findings, histological confirmation of thoracic endometriosis, methods of treatment and outcome were recorded.

MAIN RESULTS

In 2.9% of the patients no pathological lesions were found; however, 59.3% had endometrial implants and 57.0% diaphragmatic perforations. Pelvic endometriosis was reported in 39.5% patients. Patients with diagnosed pelvic endometriosis showed a significantly higher rate of endometrial implants and histologically confirmed endometriosis lesions than patients without pelvic endometriosis. In 26.9% of patients, recurrence was observed after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery provides good diagnostic and therapeutic results; however, 25% of patients experienced recurrence despite adequate treatment. A strong association exists between thoracic and pelvic endometriosis in catamenial pneumothorax patients.

Catamenial pneumothorax

Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is the most common form of thoracic endometriosis syndrome, which also includes catamenial hemothorax, catamenial hemoptysis, catamenial hemopneumothorax and endometriosis lung nodules, as well as some exceptional presentations. Usually onset of lung collapse is less than 72 hours after menstruation. Most commonly occurs in women aged 30-40 years, but has been diagnosed in young girls as early as 10 years of age and post menopausal women (exclusively in women of menstrual age) most with a history of pelvic endometriosis. Diagnosis can be hinted by high recurrence rates of lung collapse in a woman of reproductive age with endometriosis. Moreover; CA-125 is elevated. Video-assisted thoracoscopy or medical thoracoscopy is used for confirmation. In our current work we will present all aspects of CP from diagnosis to treatment.

Catamenial pneumothorax: a rare entity? Report of 5 cases and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

Spontaneous recurrent pneumothorax during menstruation is reported as catamenial pneumothorax. It is encountered in 3-6% of spontaneous pneumothorax cases among menstruating women. The percentage among women referred for surgery is significantly higher (25-30%). Although it usually involves the right-side (85-95%) it can be left-sided or bilateral. It is associated with diaphragmatic perforations and/or thoracic endometriosis. There is pelvic endometriosis in up to 30-51% of cases. The lesions that are not always found may present as small or larger holes at the central tendon of the diaphragm, as red, blueberry, brown spots or larger nodules at the diaphragm, the visceral or parietal pleura. Lesion histology may reveal endometriosis. We present 5 cases of catamenial pneumothorax treated surgically during the last 6 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Five women, with a mean age of 34+/-9.9 years (median 38, range, 19-45 years) presented with right-sided recurrent catamenial pneumothorax. In 3 patients diaphragmatic perforation(s) were found; perforation suturing (n=1), and diaphragmatic plication reinforced with bovine pericardial patch (n=1) were performed. All patients underwent atypical resection of upper and/or middle lobe segments of lung parenchyma that appeared abnormal (haemorrhagic/emphysematous or blebs). Four patients underwent pleurodesis and 1 patient underwent pleurectomy. Four interventions were performed through video assisted thoracoscopic surgery, while diaphragmatic plication was performed through a video assisted mini-thoracotomy. Histology did not reveal endometriosis tissue.

RESULTS

The postoperative course was uneventful. The patients were extubated in theatre and were discharged home at a mean of 7+/-4 days (median 6 days, range, 4-14 days). Two of them received hormonal therapy [Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) analogue] postoperatively. At a follow-up of 14.16 patient-years (mean 2.83+/-1.08 years, range, 1.33-3.83 years) there was recurrence, 6.5 months postoperatively, in one patient that had not undergone closure of a tiny diaphragmatic hole and had not received hormonal treatment postoperatively. She was treated medically (amenorrhea for 6 months with GnRH analogue) and had no further recurrences (in 3.3 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery is the treatment of choice of catamenial pneumothorax. It should aim to complete management of all lesions. The most common complication is recurrence. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment including hormonal therapy may be beneficial in high risk patients.