Diagnosis and Treatment of Catamenial Pneumothorax: A Report of a Single-Center Experience

Abstract

Introduction: Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is defined as spontaneous pneumothorax occurring within 72 hours before or after the onset of menstruation. Its etiology is not well understood, and its management remains controversial. Methods: A retrospective review was carried out in all female patients with spontaneous pneumothorax who were treated at our department, the last 20 years. Result: Five patients were suffered of CP. The median age was 27.4 (21-33). The side of the pneumothorax was right in four patients and bilateral in one. None of them were diagnosed with endometriosis. Four were treated surgically, while the last one was managed conservatively. Small fenestrations on the central tendon of the diaphragm was found in one patient. The mean hospital stay was 6.2 days. The follow-up examination did not confirm any recurrence. Conclusion: In this study, we investigated the clinical features of CP. A menstrual history and its temporal relation to a pneumothorax should be assessed on every woman presenting with recurrent pneumothorax. Surgical treatment must be selected as definitive for CP and must be combined with hormone therapy, as it prevents recurrence.