Catamenial pneumothorax (a Case Report)

Catamenial pneumothorax is a rare disease caused by presence of endometrial tissues in chest cavity showing itself with pneumothorax 24 to 48 hours after the beginning of menstrual period. A case of Catamenial pneumothorax is presented here. The case was a 17-year-old young woman admitted to hospital with symptoms and signs including chest pain, dyspnea, tachypnea and decreased breath sounds in right hemithorax started with her menstrual period. The patient had a history of similar attacks in her previous menstrual periods. Right pneumothorax was observed in the x-ray. Tube thoracostomy was inserted and chemical pleurodesis was administered. Treatment with decapeptil (GNRH analog) injection continued for 6 months. Diagnosis of the disease is clinical. Early diagnosis and treatment is recommended for all the patients in reproductive ages with dyspne, chest pain and pneumothorax as well as a history of recurring symptoms during the previous menstrual periods.